LAC LA BICHE - Celebrations were held across the Lac La Biche region on Wednesday in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
A crowd of a few hundred gathered throughout the day at McArthur Park to see demonstrations of dance, culture and art from Indigenous presenters. Attendees also heard stories and presentations from several regional Indigenous leaders and Elders. Lac La Biche County councillor Kevin Pare and Portage College President Nancy Broadbent were also invited guests for the special occasion
Local festivities at McArthur Park to celebrate the Canada-wide National Indigenous People's Day included various exhibits of local Indigenous culture and heritage as well as music and traditional dancing.
Across the region, largely in area schools, programming featured Indigenous-themed events, guest speakers and presentations. At Lac La Biche's Aurora Middle School events to hounour and recognize Canada’s indigenous communities included an assembly in the school gymnasium lead by resident Elder Diane Ludwig, classroom activities and a lunch of bannock and soup.
Indigenous population
According to statistics from Alberta Municipal Affairs, Lac La Biche's population of approximately 8,150 people is comprised of more than 25 per cent who identify as Indigenous. The data shows that in the last five years, the number of local residents identifying as Indigenous has increased by more than seven percent. The same data collection shows that one-in-three residents of the municipality identified as Indigenous in 2006.
June 21 was a date recognized by the Canadian government in 1997 to officially recognize the county's Indigenous population.
