A feast fit for Fort Liard
Community member Kathie McLeod put her own money and time into event open for all
Elaine Anselmi
Northern News Services
Monday, December 7, 2015
ACHO DENE KUE/FORT LIARD
Not only did Kathie McLeod spend her entire day in the kitchen on Nov. 22 preparing a feast for more than 200 people, but she also put her own money, from her residential school common experience payment into hosting.
If she could, McLeod said she'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
"It was awesome," McLeod said.
"I was so happy, I was just about in tears. I was so excited to have this."
She said she decided one day that she wanted to something good for her community, and because of her love for cooking, a feast fit the bill.
"For the last two weeks, before this happened, I was getting more excited and more excited. I was having a hard time sleeping at night thinking, will I be able to do this?" McLeod said.
"I had people approach me and say, 'Why do you want to do this?' and I said, 'Because I want to.'"
On the menu, McLeod had pork tenderloin, turkey, ham and all the fixings including mashed potatoes and salad. She also asked that if anyone attending wanted to contribute, they could bring a salad or dessert, and some did.
As well as the food, funding from Community Wellness, under the Department of Health and Social Services, allowed McLeod to bring in the Fort Providence Drummers to entertain the crowd and get people up dancing. By the end of the night, she said everyone was asking to keep the drummers around for just a little longer.
The crowd came from across the community, as well as a few guests from Fort Nelson, McLeod said, but there was no shortage of food and many walked away with leftovers. Among the group was Fort Liard Mayor Morris McLeod, who said the evening was a success.
"It was very nice," he said.
"The food was good and we appreciate Kathie for putting the event on."
Gatherings like the feast, he said, are a way to keep people away from drinking in the evenings, and he said he hoped to see more events like this in the community.
As well as Wellness funding and Kathie's own contribution, the mayor said the hamlet kicked in a donation and offered up the community hall free of charge - as they do for public events in which all community members are invited.
He was also happy to see two more out of town visitors, gospel singer Carl Crane and his partner Katie. Kathie McLeod said the Cranes entertained the crowd in between the drumming performances, putting on a well-received show.
Despite having been up cooking since 9 a.m. that morning, McLeod said she was out at the hall until after midnight.
"I was so glad to get home and then I cooked breakfast for the drummers in the morning," McLeod laughed. Although it was tiring, she said it was well worth the effort.
"I would love to do it again," McLeod said. "I'd do it every weekend if I could - if I could afford it, I would."
