The jig is up: Montreal Lake Cree Nation ‘aware of incident’ at annual Walleye Derby

(Source: Montreal Lake Walleye Derby)

A participant in the 18^th Annual Montreal Lake Walleye Derby is alleged to have violated derby rules over the weekend.

In a post on social media, Montreal Lake Cree Nation says the individual was asked to leave the fishing area, and the matter has now been turned over to Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Agency and the RCMP.

“The matter remains under investigation, including potential allegations of fraud,” Montreal Lake Cree Nation said in a statement. “The First Nation is cooperating fully, as they investigate the matter.

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On Monday, the RCMP confirmed it received a report of a fraud on March 21, “connected to a community event on Montreal Lake Cree Nation.”

“No charges have been laid and the matter remains under investigation. As such, we have no additional information to share at this time,” the RCMP told CTV News in a statement.

The 18^th Annual Montreal Lake Walleye Derby was held March 21, with thousands of participants from across Canada. Those taking part paid a $200 entry fee, competing for over $246,000 in prizes - with a $100,000 grand prize.

The Derby’s website states each participant fishes in one pre-drilled hole, in a six-hour catch-and-release style event.

“Montreal Lake Cree Nation notes there have been no known incidents of fraud in previous years,’ the Cree Nation noted in the social media post.

“The Nation wishes to reassure the public that the integrity of the derby remains intact and that it continues to uphold a fair and transparent process.”

Montreal Lake Cree Nation says if violations are confirmed it will support all enforcement measures and prosecutions where deemed necessary, in accordance with the law.