LAC LA BICHE - Alberta Culture Days, a province-wide celebration of arts, culture, heritage, and diversity, is taking place throughout the month of September, with many events happening in the Lac La Biche region.
The history and traditions of the Indigenous and French cultures of the area will be the focus of events taking place at the Lac La Biche Mission Historical Society.
On Sept. 9, those who make their way to the mission will have the opportunity to participate in sash weaving and pouch beading workshops that are free of charge. There will also be guided tours of the mission and fun games from the olden days for children.
This day full of events takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and those wanting to participate can register in advance with the Lac La Biche Mission Historical Society.
The following week, on Sept. 15, the theme of travelling back in time continues with afternoon tea inside the 1894 Convent on the mission grounds.
The Owl River Cultural Association will offer a fantastic opportunity to experience genuine Indigenous culture from Sept. 22-23. The two-day celebration features traditional music and performances by indigenous dancers along with a fashion show whereby Métis women and girls will don exquisitely designed ribbon skirts. People can learn about traditional hunting and trapping as well as listening to storytelling by elders.
Alberta Culture Days in Owl River begin at 8:30 a.m. and ends each evening at 8 p.m.
The various cultures of those who have made Lac La Biche County their home will be showcased with a cultural expo taking place at Portage College on Sept. 28 from 4-7:30 p.m.
Carrie Froehler, Vice President of People and Culture for Portage College, confirmed that the event is open to all students, staff, as well as the public.
“We are very excited about the upcoming Cultural Expo 2023,” Froehler told Lakeland This Week. “This is a celebration of diversity, traditions, and global unity. The expo, made possible by a grant from Alberta Culture Days, will feature a variety of culture, artistry, and flavours, all coming together to represent the diversity of our community and college.”
Upon arriving at the expo, attendees will be given a passport which will be stamped as they go about experiencing live cultural entertainment, sampling authentic foods, and viewing craftsmanship of the different cultures in interactive workshops.
“There will also be a showing of the National Film Board production titled “Things Arab Men Say” by Nisreen Baker, which has ties to Lac La Biche, as one of the participants in the movie is from this community,” she explained.
