Event Info
Date
Friday, July 3rd - Wednesday, July 8th, 2026
Time
9:00 am - 11:00 pm daily
Place
Northern Village of Ile-à-la-Crosse
Who Can Attend?
Everyone is welcome! We encourage all previous residents of Ile-a-la-Crosse to return to their home community and enjoy the celebrations. However, all are welcome and we would be thrilled for Elders, youth, family, friends and guests to enjoy the festivities!
Schedule of Events
More information regarding the event including activities, amenities, campsite availability and more will be posted when available.
Please check out our FAQs for more information.
About Ile-à-la-Crosse
As the second-oldest community in Western Canada, Ile-à-la-Crosse holds a unique place in the history of this land. Known as Sakitawak by the Cree and Métis peoples, our community has been a gathering place since time immemorial.
With its strategic location on the Churchill River system, Ile-à-la-Crosse has long served as a vital meeting ground for Métis, Dene, Cree, and European peoples — a nexus for trade, diplomacy, and kinship.
​
Founded formally in 1776 as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post, Ile-à-la-Crosse quickly became a centre of commerce and culture in the fur trade era. The community played a pivotal role in shaping the Métis Nation and has remained a cradle of Indigenous knowledge, resilience, and leadership for over two centuries.
​
​
Surrounded by vast boreal forest, Ile-à-la-Crosse is home to moose, elk, beaver, and countless species of birds. Our lakes and rivers teem with northern pike, walleye, and whitefish, making the area a draw for anglers and nature lovers alike. The land is rich in traditional medicines, and the seasonal changes mark the rhythm of life in the North.
​
In the evenings, the skies often come alive with northern lights, dancing in ribbons of green and purple across the horizon — a breathtaking reminder of the beauty and spirit that surrounds us.
Ile-à-la-Crosse is more than a place — it is a living story, a homeland, and a community that continues to welcome the world, just as it always has.
​
For more information visit www.ilealacrosse.ca
Honouring Elder Marguerite McCallum (1924–2025)
Île-à-la-Crosse recently said farewell to beloved Elder, Marguerite (Margaret) McCallum, who passed away on August 9th, 2025 at the remarkable age of 101. A matriarch and knowledge keeper, Elder McCallum lived a life that spanned generations, carrying forward the stories, traditions, and strength of the community she loved so deeply.
​
Known for her warmth, faith, and unwavering devotion to family and community, Elder Margaret became a symbol of resilience and fortitude. She shared her experiences through her language and storytelling, ensuring that Métis culture and the history of Île-à-la-Crosse was never forgotten. Her voice was one of wisdom and compassion, reminding us all of the importance of kinship, culture, and collective strength.
​
As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Île-à-la-Crosse, the life of Elder Margaret reminds us that this event is not just about dates or milestones. It is a chance to honour those who shaped our community through perseverance, generosity, and love. Elder Margaret’s legacy lives on in the people of Île-à-la-Crosse, in the strength of our Métis culture, and in the stories that will continue to be shared.
Elder Margaret’s life was a testament to the enduring spirit of Île-à-la-Crosse. As we mark 250 years of community, we honour her memory and the countless Elders who paved the way for generations to come.
​
Maarsi and rest well Elder Margaret,
The Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse