People had the opportunity to see birds of prey up close Saturday in La Rivière.  The annual raptor festival drew hundreds of people to the community, which is located in the spring migration path for thousands of birds of prey.
    

Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen was on hand for the release of the rehabilitated bald eagle back into the wildOrganizer Evelyn Janzen explains there was a special treat this year, the release of a mature male bald eagle back into the wild.  The injured bird, which was found in The Pas this past fall, was rehabilitated back to health and has been given back its freedom.

President of Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, Judy Robertson said the release of the eagle went smoothly and believe he will do well back in the wild.  "We've had it in captivity since November, so when they're released, they have to get their bearings," said Roberton. She added once an eagle takes flight, it takes a little while to figure out where they are, as they no longer have a ceiling above them.  She said the eagles do follow the trail with the Pembina River, and it's a normal pathway for them. "So he'll figure that out, and eventually he'll leave because he'll see the others up high."

Janzen said the eagle's release was a significant event.  She said in the culture of First Nation's people, there are 7 symbols that the bald eagle represents. One of them is love.  "We are on Treaty land.  We are Treaty One people," said Janzen.  "We have really done the First Nations people poorly, and it's time we corrected that. And I'm glad to see that this is one of these things that we can start working together, recognizing each another as people, and having respect for each other, and nature."

Close to 800 people took in raptor fest this year.