Itinerary
July 3rd-8th, 2026
OPENING CEREMONIES
Friday, July 3rd, 2026
Our week-long festivities kick off with our official opening ceremonies, open to all attendees. Join us for ceremony, performances, and greetings from honoured guests, dignitaries, and leaders.
10:00
AM
10:00 AM
Arrival of Canoes
The Grotto (Waterfront)
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Chiefs and dignitaries arrive by canoe in a powerful ceremonial procession
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Honour songs
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Reenactment of the Treaty 10 signing on the beach
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Short prayer and blessing
11:30
AM
Procession to the Historic Gravesite
Gravesite of Sister Sara Riel
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Gathering at the historic resting place of Louis Riel's sister
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Reading of Sara Riel's poem by Maureen Belanger
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Bag Pipes, Fiddle, and Metis Anthem performance
Community Parade
Downtown Ile-a-la-Crosse
-
Enjoy floats from surrounding communities, horse-drawn carriages, and live music as we move from the Grotto to the main stage area.
12:00
PM
1:00 PM
Traditional Lunch Served - Main Arena​
Official Opening Ceremony and Remarks
Main Stage - Arena
-
Land acknowledgement and official welcomes
-
Speeches from honoured guests and local dignitaries
-
Cake cutting ceremony to celebrate 250 years of community and resilience
2:00
PM
Cultural Workshops
Cultural Workshop Areas
Drop in throughout the day for hands-on traditional teachings and demonstrations that may include experiences such as:
-
Walking Stick Making
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Traditional Moose Call Horn Workshop
-
Beading Workshop
-
Fish Preparation and Preservation Demo
-
Bannock-Making Demo
-
Sweat Lodge Experience (daily access - guided times posted onsite)
-
Boat Tours of family homes and historical landmarks (ongoing - visit info tent for booking)
2:00
PM -
5:00
PM
Live Music and Dance
Main Stage - Arena​
3:00
PM
5:00 PM
Supper Served - Main Arena​
-
​​
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Joe Corrigal
-
Nap Gardiner
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Native & Night Fall
-
Gardiner Boys
-
Tribute Show
Main Stage - Arena
-
A tribute show honouring influences in music in Ile-a-la-Crosse
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Join us as we pay tribute to
-
Alan Morin & the Morin Brothers​
-
Bullrush
-
Mamasees
-
David Desjarlais
-
DC Corrigal
-
8:00
PM-
11:00
PM
11:00
PM
Drone Show and Fireworks
Location TBD
-
A dazzling fireworks and drone show will light up the sky, creating a stunning aerial celebration to mark this historic milestone.
Meals Provided
Gather with family, friends, and guests daily for meals provided by local caterers, chefs, and cooks!
Pancake Breakfast
8:00 AM
Main Arena
​
Join us for a free pancake breakfast every morning!
*Note: Due to Opening Ceremonies, breakfast will not be provided Friday, July 7th.
Traditional Lunch
12:00 PM
Main Arena
​
From soup and bannock, to fish fry, join us for lunch daily!
*Note: Due to Opening Ceremonies, lunch will be served at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 7th.
Supper
5:00 PM
Main Arena
​
A hearty supper will be served daily to all guests with variety and selection to meet dietary needs.
​
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Every day a series of activities will be available in their designated locations. Detailed programs will be provided at the celebration. All activities are subject to change due to weather and / or coordinator availability.
9:00 AM
Sakitawak Market
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily
Market Grounds
-
Shop local arts, crafts, handmade goods, and traditional foods all day long. Open daily throughout the Celebration.
​
Yoga on the Beach
9:00 AM Daily
Waterfront
-
Join experienced Yogi and local resident, Jordyn Burnouf for yoga every morning! ​
* Please Note: Due to opening ceremonies, Yoga on the Beach will not be available Friday, July 7th ​​
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cultural Workshops
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily
Cultural Workshop Areas
Drop in throughout the day for hands-on traditional teachings and demonstrations that may include experiences such as:
-
Walking Stick Making
-
Traditional Moose Call Horn Workshop
-
Beading Workshop
-
Fish Preparation and Preservation Demo
-
Bannock-Making Demo
-
Sweat Lodge Experience (daily access - guided times posted onsite)
-
Boat Tours of family homes and historical landmarks (visit info tent for booking)
* Please Note: Due to Opening Ceremonies, Cultural Workshops will begin at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 7th ​
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Elders Visits
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Daily
Elders Lodge
Drop in throughout the day for visits, storytelling, and lessons with the Elders. A light lunch will be served in the lodge for Elders.
* Please Note: Due to Opening Ceremonies, the Elders may not be available for visits on Friday, July 7th ​
11:00 PM
Drone Show and Fireshow
-
A beautiful projection experience
Drone Show and Fireworks
11:00 PM Nightly
Location TBD
A dazzling fireworks and drone show will light up the sky, creating a stunning aerial celebration to mark this historic milestone.
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Saturday July 4th, 2026
Competition Registration Opens
Info Tent / Registration Area
-
Sign up for the day's exciting competitions, including canoe races, square dancing, beach volleyball, and more!
9:00 AM
10:00 AM - All Day
Sports and Traditional Games
Fields, Beach, and Competition Areas
Let the games begin!
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Slo-Pitch Tournament
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Canoe Races
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Beach Volleyball
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Voyageur Races
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Rubberball Tournament (55+)
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Marble Tournament (55+)
11:00 AM -
4:00 pm
Kids' Carnival
Sakitawak Group Home (outdoors)
-
A one day carnival designed for kids under the age of 12! Pop by for games, treats, prizes, and more!
​​
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Red River Square Dance and Jigging Competition
Main Stage - Arena
-
Join in or cheer on your favourite dancer! Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! ​​
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Poker Rally
Location TBD
-
Join the fun and test your luck in a scenic community-wide poker rally
8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Sunday July 5th, 2026
Memorial Unveiling
Location TBD
-
Join us in honouring our shared history and the loved ones who came before us with a meaningful memorial unveiling
10:00 AM
2:00 PM -
3:00 PM
Theatrical Performance
Main Stage - Arena
-
A special theatrical presentation will be featured, offering a creative and engaging tribute to the rich history, stories, and spirit of Ile-à-la-Crosse.​
6:00 PM -
8:00 PM
$50,000 Bingo
Radio and TV Bingo and Arena
-
Get your dabbers ready for one of the biggest bingo nights of the year!
​​
9:00 PM -
11:00 PM
Talent Show
Main Stage - Arena
-
Show off your talents or cheer on your favourite performer! ​​
Monday July 6th, 2026
10:00 AM -
11:00 AM
Theatrical Performance
Main Stage - Arena
-
A special theatrical presentation will be featured, offering a creative and engaging tribute to the rich history, stories, and spirit of Ile-à-la-Crosse.​
1:00 PM -
5:00 PM
Fishing Derby
Waterfront / Fishing Zones
-
Grab your gear and cast a line in the community-wide derby!
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Prizes for various categories
​​
Michif Language Conference Banquet
Location TBD
-
Open to Conference guests and presenters
-
Musical Guests Donny Parenteau & Jason Lepine
6:00 PM
6:00 PM -
11:00 PM
Live Music and Guest Performers
Main Stage - Arena
-
Enjoy the musical stylings of C Weed, Jason Lepine, Moe Clark, and Donny Parenteau ​​
Tuesday July 7th, 2026
10:00 AM -
11:00 AM
Michif Language Conference
Hosted by the Office of the Comissioner of Indigenous Languages
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This full-day conference celebrates the beauty and strength of the Michif language with guest speakers, interactive sessions, and community dialogue​
12:00 PM
Lunch Entertainment
Location TBD
-
Laura Burnouf - Michif Songs
-
Ernestine and Alphonse
Michif Scavenger Hunt and Michif Bingo
Check in at the Info Tent for Locations - in community
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Fun and educational activities for all ages!
-
Learn new words, explore your surroundings, and compete for prizes
1:00 PM
Wednesday July 8th, 2026
10:00 AM -
5:00 PM
Family Fishing Derby
Waterfront / Fishing Zones
-
Bring your rods and your family for one more round of lakeside fun.
-
Prizes for kids, adults, and biggest catch of the day!
5:00 PM
Community BBQ
Location TBD
-
Gather together for a final feast - a chance to say thank you, reconnect, and close the celebration with a full heart and full plates!​
