The St. Ann's Mission is when everybody goes to Chapel Island at the last weekend in July. You don't just go for the spiritual well-being, pray, but also for cultural renewal. It is a time for a family reunion and to meet people you haven't seen in a long time or make new friends.

During this weekend there is masses everyday starting from early morning where they all prepare for the carrying of St. Anne. This is where everybody goes to pray to St. Anne. A special ceremony is celebrated on Sunday. This is also followed by a mass for the children that are doing their first communion. This mass has priests from almost every reserve. The St. Anne is then carried from the lower stage to the upper stage. When St.Anne is being carried to the upper stage she is followed by Grand Keptin (Alex Denny), Putus (Sulian Herney), Eagle Staff Carrier (Irene Julian) , Flag Carriers, Captins, First Communion children, elders and the rest of the people that came for the mission. They will then pray a little bit more and give out communion. Once this praying is all done they carry St. Anne back to the church. Once she is at the church, those who want to pray near her are more than welcome. This whole ceremony takes about 2-3 hours at the most.

During this weekend they have securities/police to take care of the island. They are to keep the island clean and make sure that nobody is under the influence of drugs/alcohol, no fighting and to guard the St. Anne statue. This is their duties for the weekend of the St. Anne mission.

One time ago people from other reserves used to go to the island to meet every year. The Chiefs, Grand Keptin, Putus, and councilors would also meet to discuss the present year and the next year for future planning. Also during this time was an old church that had burned and rebuilt before the next year.

By: Pop-i Googoo

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