The  Six Nations Agricultural Society (SNAS) attended the Six Nations Elected Council General Finance meeting on June 5th to request support for this year's fall fair.

The organization hosts the Six Nations Fall Fair every September. The Treasurer/Secretary Lindsay Hill was on hand to present the SNAS request for monies to help cover rides and security.

Ms Hill said the cost being requested by the contractor was $130,000 for the midway rides. That opened up a series of questions and discussions regarding the costs, sponsorship and the contract for the rides, not only at the fair but also at other Six Nations events such as the Indigenous Day celebrations at Chiefswood Park on June 21st and Bread and Cheese Day held on the May 24th weekend.

Several reason were given for the steep increase in the cost of rides, including COVID, which put some companies out of business. Another reason the cost could show an increase is that adult rides have now been added to this year's fall fair.

Six Nations business Grand River Enterprises were also mentioned as they sponsor the rides and costs for June 21st Solidarity Day/Indigenous Day celebrations at Chiefswood Park. Council wanted clarification regarding the costs, asking if those costs were somehow reflected in the costs being brought forward. Elected Chief Mark Hill quickly explained that the discussion wasn't about sponsorship or who was paying, but about getting the best "bang for our buck".

The Chief said Council would follow up with Ms. Hill after the meeting and also have a meeting with the Contractor to resolve further questions and concerns.

The Six Nations Agricultural Society was founded in 1867 and is Ontario’s oldest & longest running Indigenous fair.

Listen to the report below.