LAC LA BICHE – Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days will continue the traditional events which have long been much loved by the Lac La Biche community for decades, returning July 31 to Aug. 4.
The long-running event, which has been taking place in the Lac La Biche area since the 1960s, was rebranded as Summer Days a few years ago. During an annual general meeting in March, the Lac La Biche Pow Wow and Fish Derby Association made the decision to revert to the original name, ‘Pow Wow Days.’
A new board featuring 14 members was also chosen during that meeting.
Ian Cloutier, treasurer of the association, said Pow Wow Days will focus not only on fun activities for all to enjoy, but also being culturally inclusive and celebrating the Indigenous heritage of the Lac La Biche area.
“This is not just a summer festival . . . there is history to Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days,” Cloutier told Lakeland This Week.
In 1962, around the time that the popular community event got started in Lac La Biche, according to Cloutier, Indigenous and Métis people met on the shores of Lac La Biche Lake to celebrate their culture.
“Now, it’s 2025, Lac La Biche is a very multicultural community, and we’re still gathering today and celebrating our history,” he continued.
Cloutier explained that the committee has received strong support from the community in reviving Pow Wow Days and restoring the name.
The Lac La Biche Pow Wow and Fish Derby Association had a booth set up at the Lac La Biche Chamber of Commerce Spring Trade Show and Market in early May, where the organization received a considerable amount of positive feedback.
As far as what the committee’s goals are moving forward with the newly branded Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days, Cloutier explained that the members came with the common purpose to make this a great community event with significant cultural pieces added to it.
In addition to a talent show, the customary parade, a fish fry, children’s activities, ball tournament, and a midway, the 2025 edition of Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days will feature culturally-inclusive events such as a one-day traditional pow wow at the Bold Centre on Monday, Aug. 4 and a competition pow wow in Beaver Lake Cree Nation running from Aug. 1-4.
