HONOURARY TRAPPER

This year Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival is paying tribute to a long-time

volunteer of the dog races and of the Festival. Danielle Drake started assisting The Pas

Kinsmen with the dog races back in 2012. She organized highway patrol for the races

and made sure everything ran smoothly.

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Dani had a passion for photography and as an amateur photographer she took many

amazing pictures for Trappers’ Festival. Over the years she worked behind the scenes

on our social media platforms and was always available to lend a helping hand in the

photography and social media realities of the Festival.

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Dani was a founding member of The Pas Kinettes and served on the executive team

for many years, leading and chairing various projects. The Pas Kinettes also play an

active role in promoting Trappers’ Festival. Dani was known for actively sharing her

perspectives, particularly when she was passionate about a matter. Her dedication and

enthusiasm for volunteering significantly contributed to the development and success

of The Pas Kinettes and spilled over in her volunteerism with Trappers’ Festival. She

volunteered selflessly, focusing on serving and supporting her community without

seeking recognition. Members of The Pas Kinettes put together and revealed a shadow box of

Dani's jersey and other special mementos to hang outside their office at the Kin Centre. 

As Kinsmen Tyler Fourre said, “I never met her, but the stories I've heard she was one

of the first to show up in the morning and one of the last to leave in the evening. The

Kinsmen have commented that her laugh is missed in the trailer, and she always made

sure the guys made it home safe. Dani was always dependable and the boys never

worried if Dani said she was going to be there.”

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Dani passed away September 18, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Dani’s bright

smile and infectious laugh was a welcome relief from the stress of Trappers’ Festival

and her presence at the Kinsmen Dog trailer and Festival is deeply missed. Her legacy,

however, continues to influence and motivate the organizations she supported.

 

Trappers’ Festival is celebrating 79 years and during this time, many people have had a

significant impact on the success of the Festival. Whether that is devoting countless

hours to ensuring the Festival happens, being an outstanding ambassador and

competitor, or fervently promoting Trappers’ Festival and sharing its deep history and

traditions. As a result, the Festival Board of Directors, may pay tribute to a person for

their continued dedication to the Festival, with the Honourary Trapper award. This

award formally recognizes significant contributions to Northern Manitoba Trappers’

Festival.

Long time Kinsmen member Bruce Trampe commented, “As an Honorary Trapper

myself I couldn’t think of anyone better to bestow this honor upon than Danielle.”

The Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival Board of Directors agrees and this year we

have selected Dani to receive the Honourary Trapper Award.

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The award was presented by life long friend of Danielle and Trappers' Festival Director

Linsi Sibakov to her parents, Doug & Carol Drake, her brother, Ryan Drake, her son, Tristan Tavener, along with his girlfriend, Brooklyn and her uncle, Mark Landels.