Who were this year’s lucky ducks?

With just 40 rubber ducks still available on the morning of the big race, a sellout fundraiser was never in doubt as community members gathered to cheer for theirs to cross the finish line first against 999 competitors.

It was the third annual Tsotso’s Duck Race, held in memory of Tsótewe Stacey, whose tragic passing in a car crash in 2023 at 18 years old dismayed the community and united Kahnawa’kehró:non in her memory.

While Tsótewe’s family is still choosing this year’s beneficiaries for the fundraiser, which is organized by the Kateri Memorial Foundation (KMF), a full $9,000 will flow to community organizations thanks to the event.

“I just wanted to say to all who bought this year’s ducks for the race, we want to thank you, each and every one of you for buying,” said Tsótewe’s mother, Watshennine Jolene Bear.

“Not only is it for a great cause, the money is being donated back to our community. Congratulations to the winners. It was a beautiful day out, the sun was shining. Everyone’s spirits were lifted for sure.”

The water level was low on Saturday at the Onake Paddling Club, where the race was held, leading to a slow start as the yellow mass of rubber ducks got stuck in weeds.

Four Onake paddlers kept the water flowing, however, and helped the ducks along the race, which covered around 15-20 feet of distance up to the finish line between the two docks.

Terry Stacey’s #429 duck sailed in first, for the $5,000 grand prize.

“I usually buy any kind of tickets that the Kateri Memorial Foundation sells. I always participate in their stuff every year,” said Stacey, who has had ducks in all three annual races.

“This is the first time I’ve actually won anything, so it feels good.”

He wasn’t able to be there in person as his duck crossed the finish line, but he was happy to know the race was taking place.

“I love it,” he said. “It’s a community event. A lot of people get out there and get to watch it and pray their duck comes in.”

Christine Diabo won $3,000 for second place with her #738 duck and Charlene Deer’s #602 duck came in third, for a $2,000 prize. There were also two $500 prizes awarded for ducks picked at random.

The day was full of family fun, with face painting also on offer.

“It’s indescribable to see how much our community supports the Kateri Memorial Foundation, and how much the community’s willing to give back to the foundation, which in turn gives back to the health of the community,” said Skye Thomas, donations coordinator for KMF. It was her first time taking part in organizing the duck race.

Thomas is glad to know the KMF is able to support an event as meaningful as Tsotso’s Duck Race.

“It’s something that really warms your heart,” she said.

“Time and time again, to see the community come out and support, it’s such an amazing feeling to see. It’s awesome, and we just want to thank the community so much.”

Last year’s beneficiaries of Tsotso’s Duck Race were the 207 Longhouse, which used its $5,000 share to organize the Fall Sing, as well as schools at which Tsótewe was a student, Kahnawake Survival School and Karonhianónhnha School, which each received a $1,000 boost.

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Marcus Bankuti, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter