Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

By Derrick Lafrance

For 25 years the legacy of master fisherman Noah Thompson was played out every fall in the rivers of Akwesasne. Anglers came from all over to share their love of fishing and the 2019 edition held last weekend was no exception.

Winners. Front row L-R: Korahl Cree holding Francis "Beetle" Skidders Memorial award won by her grandfather Ron Cree, Ava Bradley (third place kids), Westin Arquette (second place kids) and Clay Thompson (first place kids). Back: Brian McKay (Lunker of the Day), Ron Cree, Jay Jackson (third place adults), Ryan Flaro (first place adult), Tyson Thompson (second place adult), Andy Swamp and Louie Jackson (Lunker of the Day.) Photo: Derrick Lafrance.

The first day of the tourney was cold and rainy but that didn't dampen the spirits of the participants.

The second day saw sunshine all day and there were good times, lots of lies and a big spread awaited the hungry fishermen and women.

Master of Ceremonies Andy Swamp said a lot of good people made a big effort in the celebration and talked about the man behind the event.

"The whole Thompson clan did fantastic, it was great fishing, camaraderie and making friends for life," he said. "He [Noah Thompson] could fish, tell stories, he was awesome," he added.

The prizes were handed out and hopefully not for the last time as word went around this was the final tournament. Planning and running the tournament for the past 25 years was very tiring and Andy Swamp said he hopes the younger generation will take over the reins.

There were special Memorial Awards given out including the T.J. Jackson Legacy Award, The Philomena Thompson (late wife of Noah Thompson) and this was for dedication, and Sportsmanship Award in honor of Francis "Beetle" Skidders. Ron Cree won the "Beetle" Skidders trophy, The TJ Jackson Trophy was won by Morris Thompson and Margaret Thomas-Jock won the Philomena Trophy.