Apr. 15, 2026

The Northern store in Rossville, Manitoba proudly supported the 2026 Pipon Festival, hosted by the Parks and Recreation department of Norway House Cree Nation. The annual gathering brings together community members in celebration of the traditions and ways of life that are being shared with generations to come.

Pictured above: Store Manager Jason Winter handing cheques to Recreation department planning committee members Kesha Laugher and Sandy Flett (left); Councilor Ed Albert (right).

Over time, the festival has become a cherished winter tradition, offering fun opportunities for community members to stay active, connected, and engaged in a healthy, culturally rooted lifestyle. Activities included trap setting, fire building, sport games, traditional food preparation, and square dancing. The popular Sasquatch Fishing derby also returned, bringing together fishing enthusiasts from across Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The festival created opportunities for youth to learn traditional values while participating in friendly winter games, talent shows, and other group activities.

Pictured above: Participants in the snowshoe competition and log toss game (left); youth participating in talent shows (right).

“It’s always great to support events where the store gets to be part of community activities,” said Store Manager Jason. “It was also a reminder of how traditional ways of living can become a path to healing for youth.”

The store looks forward to continuing its partnership with Norway House Cree Nation and supporting the community's cultural traditions and ways of living.