Ile-à-la-Crosse 250 Years
Community Celebration
July 3rd - 8th, 2026
Welcome to Ile-à-la-Crosse 250: A Historic Celebration
250 Years of Story, Strength, and Spirit
In 2026, Ile-à-la-Crosse proudly marks 250 years as one of the oldest communities in Canada—a place where histories run deep, languages live on, and traditions continue to shape our future.
Join us July 3–8, 2026, for a powerful celebration of our culture, resilience, and community pride. From canoe races and cultural performances to Métis and Cree storytelling, live music, and food that feeds the soul—this will be an event like no other.
This Isn’t Just a Celebration.
It’s a Homecoming.
Whether you’ve never left, or you’ve been away too long, this is your invitation to come home.
Let’s honour our past, celebrate how far we’ve come, and look ahead—together.
What to Expect
250
Years in the Making
Water, Spirit, and Ceremony
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Opening Ceremony at the historic Grotto
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Chiefs and community members arriving by canoe
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Reenactment of the Treaty 10 signing, on the original site
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Spiritual songs in Dene and Cree.
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Métis National Anthem and a newly commissioned community song
Music, Dance, and Performance
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Music and entertainment
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Jigging and square dancing competitions
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Theatrical productions
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Special appearances from well-known artists and Métis performers
Games, Sports, and Traditions
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Canoe races across the lake
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Traditional ball-and-bat game
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Voyageur games
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Marble tournament – fun for all ages
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Youth programming hosted by Friendship Centres
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Elders’ lodge activities and demonstrations
Storytelling and Heritage
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Historical tours
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Traditional canvas tent with bannock and tea
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Elders teaching youth about medicines like rat root
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Orange Shirt memorial and sacred landmark walks
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Guided tours of local historical sites, including the grave of Louis Riel’s sister
Evening Events and Extras
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Parade featuring community floats, horses, carriages, and dignitaries
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Cultural demonstrations and land-based teachings
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Food, music, dancing, and more—celebrating our past, present, and future
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Contact Us
Address
Box 280
Lajeunesse Ave , Ile-à-la-Crosse, SK, Canada, Saskatchewan
Contact
Event Coordinator: Maureen Belanger
Email: ilex250@sasktel.net
Hours
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on Holidays & Weekends
Committee Members
Vince Ahenakew - Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse Counsellor
Maureen Belanger - Coordinator
MP Buckley Belanger - Honourary Chair
Donny Favel
Nap Gardiner
Freida Fineday
Anna Corrigal
Albert McCallum
Aaliyah Belanger - Junior Deputy Mayor
Cassia Hutton - Youth Representative
Hannah D Raymond
Kalvin Jones
Sub-Committee Members
Ile-à-la-Crosse School division - Sharon Hoffman / Jansen Corrigal
Ile-à-la-Crosse Friendship Centre - Vawn Desjarlais
Sakitawak Development Corporation - Tyler Morin
Elders Lodge - Dorothy Dubrule
Rec Board - Edna Daigneault
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