Second-oldest community in Sask. begins 250th anniversary celebrations

One of the province’s oldest communities is about to celebrate a major birthday.

Ile-à-la-Crosse is only second Cumberland House as Saskatchewan’s oldest, continuously inhabited community. Founded 250 years ago as a North West Company fur trading post, Ile-à-la-Crosse is deeply rooted in Métis history, and as such, is planning a celebration befitting of their landmark anniversary.

“I really want to showcase my community. We have so much talent and beauty,” said Maureen Belanger, 250^thAnniversary Celebration Coordinator.

“Our land is so beautiful. I want to show a piece of how we grew up in the day.”

The five-day celebration is scheduled from July 3-8, and is expected to be attended by as many as 1,500 people from across the province and country. Representatives from federal, provincial, and municipal governments, including Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Bernadette McIntyre, are expected to join residents in celebration.

“This is more than a celebration of our history, it’s a celebration of our people,” said Ile-à-la-Crosse Mayor Myra Malboeuf.

“For 250 years Ile-à-la-Crosse is a place where cultures come together, families are built, traditions are shared, and communities support one another. We are honoured to welcome everyone home to celebrate this remarkable milestone with us.”

In keeping with traditions of hospitality and generosity, each day of the celebration will have free breakfast and dinner served at the local high school, and free lunch served at the Friendship Centre.

“We are trying to show our upbringing. The most important thing for us, whenever we host anyone, is to provide food,” said Belanger.

The opening ceremonies kick off on Friday, July 3 with the arrival of canoes, followed by a visit and prayer at the graveside of Sara Riel – sister of Louis Riel. An unveiling of a new memorial, tribute show, and community parade rounds out the first day.

A vast amount of events are scheduled throughout the five day celebration. Highlights include:

– Cultural workshops throughout each day, including skiff making, moose hide tanning, meat and fish drying, traditional medicine making, leather belt and mitt making.

– Ceremonies and presentations include pipe ceremonies, spiritual tent gathering, historians and genealogists at the Elder’s Lodge, jigging competition,

– A Sakitawak market with local arts, crafts, food, and handmade goods.

– Boat launch tours and morning yoga.

– Sport tournaments including slow-pitch, beach volleyball, bolo, and the Voyager Games

– Live music from artists such as Donny Parenteau, BlackHawk, Rez Boys, Last Call, DJ ELX, Happy Hour, Dakota Favel, Joseph Natayahow, Cheryl L’hirondell.

– Kids events such as the MN-S Children’s Village, kids carnival, and a foam party

– A $50,000 Bingo

The extensive offering of events and entertainment was over a year in planning, said Belanger, who hired a community consultants to determine what sort of events the community wanted, as well as worked with Cumberland House following their 250^th Anniversary celebration.

Belanger said that while the gathering will be a celebration, it also carries deeper meaning for many returning to Ile-à-la-Crosse, following the approval of a historic settlement for survivors of the residential school.

“Especially in the time of Reconciliation and with our residential school finally having some closure, it has even more meaning for me because we are returning those folks who have gone away and are finally reconnecting with other people that attended the residential school,” said Belanger.

“I hope it will be a beautiful, powerful time.”

With the population of Ile-à-la-Crosse (1,400 residents) looking to double over the course of the celebration, Belanger said she hopes every attendee finds a special connection with the historic community and its people.

“I want people to see that we have been here for 250 years, we are resilient, we will continue our journey,” said Belanger.

“The majority of our families are our First Nations cousins – that’s all this is – we want to celebrate, we want you to feel at home. We all have a connection to Ile-à-la-Crosse.”