Good afternoon, colleagues. The Kole Crook Fiddle Association held its 19th Annual Fiddle Jamboree in Fort Simpson. We witnessed 55 fiddlers from six communities across the NWT who braved the 47° cold snap. They ranged in age from 6 to 16 years. We had several adults who joined in as well. Classes were offered for firsttimers all the way up to advanced. They were joined by seven amazing fiddle instructors from across Canada and NWT. Some were former graduates of the association. The participants jigged, squaredanced, fiddled, and sang. They learned lots of new tunes and made many new friends. A couple of the highlights were:
They hosted a community feast and talent show on Saturday Night which saw a packed house.
They held a concert on Sunday, which I got to witness.
Some of you are aware the Kole Crook Fiddle Association was formed in 2003 in memory of the wellknown and beloved Metis fiddler from Hay River, Kole Crook, who tragically passed away at a young age while flying to a New Year's Eve celebration in Tulita. Kole traveled across the NWT and shared his love of music to youth and elders alike. The association's mission is to keep his legacy alive and spread the northern tradition of Metis style fiddling. They just celebrated their 20th anniversary last year and they have taught in 19 communities across the NWT. Being respectful of time, I would like to have these communities deemed as read and printed in the Hansard.
Hay River, Kakisa, Enterprise, K'atlodeeche, Yellowknife, Behchoko, Deline, Ft. Good Hope, Tulita, Norman Wells, Colville Lake, Wrigley, Jean Marie, Ft. Smith, Ft. Resolution, Ft. Simpson, Ft. Liard, Nahanni Butte and Sambaa Ke.
As you know, many youths in the smaller more remote communities in the North do not have regular access to music programs. Events such as the annual jamboree are beacons of light to so many and are talked about and excitedly anticipated months before the actual event. It is such a positive influence in the lives of these youth learning a traditional skill that brings much joy to not only them but their parents and grandparents and entire communities. All this would not have been possible without the financial support received by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs and the Deh Cho Divisional Board of Education. It is very much appreciated, and they send their sincere gratitude. Being respectful of time, I would like to have the bios of the amazing instructors deemed as read and printed in Hansard. Thank you, Mr. Clerk.
Stacey Read Sackville, Nova Scotia
The amazing Stacey has been fiddling since she was a young girl and has been one of our lead teachers for 15 years now. She plays and teaches not only fiddling but squaredancing and piano in her hometown and also travels to Nunavut to teach in the schools there.
Donna Turk Forget, Saskatchewan.
Donna is a worldrenowned fiddler who taught the famous "Bow Valley Fiddlers" out of Calgary for 17 years! She has been with the KCFA for over ten years now and we are always so happy when she can attend our events.
Deanna Dolstra Cold Lake, Alberta.
Deanna is another wonderful Fiddler who has been with us for many years. She is a highly soughtafter performer at Metis fiddling/jigging events all across western Canada and teaches jigging and piano as well at her studio in Cold Lake.
Linda Duford Hay River, NWT.
Linda is a longtime northern fiddler who learned to play as a young girl and was mentored by the great Maurice Lafferty when her family moved to Ft. Simpson. She has been with the KCFA for 16 years and has happily shared her love of fiddling to countless youth across the Territories. Linda sits on the Board, currently as copresident.
Wesley Hardisty Salt Spring Island, BC.
Wesley, a native of Ft. Simpson, is their most famous alumnae. He is an amazing fiddler, composer and performer and has worked and collaborated with many artists across Canada. Wesley started fiddling as a student with them at the young age of 12, and had never looked back.
Elizabeth Ewen Yellowknife, NWT.
Elizabeth started lessons with the KCFA during her kindergarten year at Behchoko, where her father was the principal at the time. She is a wonderful fiddler and is in her first year of teaching with us.
Simara Wilson Hay River.
Simara, another product of our KCFA Fiddle Program, started playing in grade two, and has faithfully attended our afterschool programs right up to graduation last year. We are thrilled she has now joined our Teaching roster as a junior instructor.
James Ross Yellowknife, NWT. James is an amazing young fiddler who started winning Fiddle contests at the ripe old age of 12. Another product of the KCFA, he is considered one of the best "Red River Jig" players in the North.
MR. SPEAKER:
