Before all others, Indigenous peoples travelled the woods and waters of the Lakeland. Cultural traditions thousands of years old are preserved and celebrated throughout the Lac La Biche Region.
BEAVER LAKE CREE NATION AND HEART LAKE FIRST NATION POW WOWS Dates TBA For generations, Pow Wows have been special occasions for Indigenous families and Nations to meet to, exchange news and goods, and celebrate their culture. Now a Pow Wow is the perfect way for you to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of First Nations heritage. Dancers’ regalia is elaborate and unique, and every dance has a story. Beaver Lake Cree Nation and Heart Lake First Nation are both part of the Pow Wow circuit, attracting hundreds of performers from across North America.
MÉTIS CROSSING Metiscrossing.org / 780-656-2229 / metiscrossing@metis.org 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake County A major showcase of Métis culture and history is only a short drive outside the Lac La Biche Region. Past and present come together at this historic site, where you can discover the story of the Métis people, try your hand at traditional crafts, learn to jig, and spend a night in a Métis trapper’s tent. •
Paddle Into The Past: An immersive four-hour cultural journey, including a jaunt down the North Saskatchewan River in a voyageur canoe to Victoria Settlement.
HIDEAWAY ADVENTURE GROUNDS 780-212-1725 / hideawayadventure@gmail.com Township Road 624, Kikino Métis Settlement Rekindle your connection to nature. Your host, John Ritchie, left the hustle and bustle of the city to rediscover his roots and his kinship with the earth. Here you have an opportunity to live off the grid and off the land, pushing your own boundaries and learning traditional Métis teachings. Practice shelter-building, finding medicinal plants and more in an endless aspen forest.
LAC LA BICHE CANADIAN NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE AND INDIGENOUS SPIRIT CREATIONS Llb-cnfc.com / 780-623-3249 / spirit@llb-cnfc.com 10105 Churchill Drive, Lac La Biche Shop for an authentic Indigenous souvenir made by a local artisan. Originally founded to support and empower the region’s Aboriginal peoples, the Friendship Centre also works to promote and share Indigenous culture with others, so ask about joining programs, attending events or connecting with cultural ambassadors.
22 | laclabichecounty.com
