Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days Returns with Original Name and New Leadership

Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days at McArthur Park

Following a unanimous vote at the Annual General Meeting on March 12, the popular August long weekend event will no longer be known as “Summer Days” as it will now be under the original name ‘Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days’. The beloved summer festival is set to bring the community together once again with traditional celebrations, family fun, and exciting events.

Chantel Sparklingeyes, Secretary of the Lac La Biche Pow Wow & Fish Derby Association spoke with CFWE, saying the event is returning to its roots, and reflects a commitment to culture, history, and local pride, as it did since it began in Lac La Biche in the 1960s.

Sparklingeyes reflects on witnessing the unanimous vote at the Annual General Meeting, which highlighted Lac La Biche’s strong support for multiculturalism.

A key discussion point at the AGM was a bylaw established by a previous board, which restricted individuals living in Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Heart Lake First Nation, as well as the Kikino and Buffalo Lake Métis settlements from becoming paid members, voting members, or serving on the board of the Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days Association. Sparklingeyes adds that upon the discovery of the old bylaw, it was hurtful, harmful and oppressive. Unaware that the bylaw was initially put in place, the new members rescinded the bylaw on March 17.

Pow Wow dancers will be present on the Monday of the August Long Weekend, along with returning favorites including a talent show competition, Music at McArthur Park, fish-fry and a larger midway and baseball tournament.