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A celebration of games and partnership at the Lhtako Dene First Nation

Athletes enjoyed games and snacks at a celebration at the new Lhtako Dene arbour
Jordy Cunningham, Brittany Webster

It was a celebration to remember for the Lhtako Dene Nation and all the athletes that attended the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games.

This was the first year the games were hosted as a partnership between the local First Nation and the host city, something Chief Clifford Lebrun said is a good step toward reconciliation.

“We’re giving the kids an experience that they probably wouldn’t get at a normal winter games. We’re hoping this sets a standard for wherever the winter games go from here.”

But this is just one step of many that still need to be taken. “It shows how we can work with the City of Quesnel, with the BC Winter Games, how with all these different organizations if we just come to the table with open heads, open minds, and open hearts what we can achieve for community.”

The celebration was held at the newly built arbour, one of the first events to be held at the venue. The first powwow in the arbour will be held in August of this year.

Athletes gathered together on Saturday evening (Feb. 24) to enjoy music, snacks, games, and crafts. Sparklers were alight throughout the evening and everyone got a sweet treat with some maple syrup poured over the snow.

READ MORE: Action-packed day 2 of the Lhtako Quesnel BC Winter Games

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The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
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The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
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The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
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The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
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The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
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The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
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The Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)
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Chief Clifford Lebrun and the Lhtako Dene Nation celebrated by BC Winter Games by inviting all athletes, coaches, and volunteers to a party at their new arbour. (Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media)

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