LAC LA BICHE – MJ Siebold is the 2025 Citizen of the Year in Lac La Biche.
Siebold received the award during the Pow Wow Days community fish fry event, which was held at McArthur Place on July 31.
The Citizen of the Year award, which is put on by the Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce, recognizes outstanding community service and contributions made by residents of the Lac La Biche area. As the 2025 Citizen of the Year, Siebold also took part in the Pow Wow Days parade, which started at 11 a.m. on Aug. 1.
For Siebold, who has been actively involved with various initiatives in the community for more than a decade, being chosen from 11 other nominees is "an honour.”
"I was nominated among a lot of really good people, so it’s nice,” she acknowledged.
Siebold founded the Lac La Biche Regional Humane Society 10 years ago and continues to serve as the chairperson for the board of the organization.
“I’m there a lot volunteering,” she said.
While the animal shelter keeps her very busy these days, over the years, Siebold has also volunteered with the Lac La Biche 4-H club, as well as local chapters of Beavers and Scouts when her children were growing up. She also served two terms as a municipal councillor.
“I’ve been involved in all aspects of the community,” Siebold said. “I think our community needs a strong volunteer base in order to get the things done that we get done.”
Siebold believes the Citizen of the Year award offers an opportunity to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of volunteers in the community.
“I think sometimes volunteers aren’t recognized enough. I know in the shelter we try to recognize our volunteers often, but it’s hard. And so, it’s nice when a community comes together and acknowledges the work that is done,” she said.
After receiving the Citizen of the Year Award, celebratory cake was served to the large group of people who gathered at McArthur Place for the annual community fish fry.
Siebold then did the customary cutting of the first piece of cake, while enjoying the moment.
“I like chocolate . . . so I’m going to have some,” she said, with a beaming smile and hearty laugh.
