Itinerary
July 3rd-8th, 2026
Friday, July 3rd, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
10:00 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
2:30 PM
All Afternoon (Times Vary)
8:00 PM - Midnight
11:00 PM
Sakitawak Market - Market Grounds
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Shop local arts, crafts, handmade goods, and traditional foods all day long. Open daily throughout the Celebration.
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Arrival of Canoes & Opening Ceremony Begins - The Grotto (Waterfront)
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Chiefs and dignitaries arrive by canoe in a powerful ceremonial procession
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Honour songs performed by Cree and Dene singers
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Reenactment of the Treaty 10 signing on the beach
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All dignitaries, Chiefs, and Metis leaders will symbolically sign the Treaty and Scrip
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Short prayer and blessing near the statue of the Virgin Mary
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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, a significant figure in Metis history.
Parade Through the Heart of the Town - Downtown Ile-a-la-Crosse
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Enjoy floats from surrounding communities, horse-drawn carriages, and live music as we move from the Grotto to the main stage area.
Official Opening Ceremony and Remarks - Main Stage
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Metis National Anthem in Cree Michif by Sandra Davenport
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Land acknowledgement and official welcomes
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Speeches from honoured guests and local dignitaries
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Cake cutting ceremony to celebrate 250 years of community and resilience
Live Music and Dance - Main Stage
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Square-dancing performances
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Live music
Cultural Workshops - Cultural Workshop Areas
Drop in throughout the day for hands-on traditional teachings and demonstrations:
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Walking Stick Making
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Traditional Moose Call Horn Workshop
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Beading Workshop
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Fish Preparation and Preservation Demo
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Bannock-Making Demo
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Sweat Lodge Experience (daily access - guided times posted onsite)
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Boat Tours of family homes and historical landmarks (ongoing - visit info tent for booking)
Family Dance and Entertainment - Arena
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Kick up your heels with local bands, fiddlers, and a family friendly dance to end the day
Guided Light Show (Tentative)
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A beautiful projection experience sharing the story of Ile-à-la-Crosse projected onto the trees beneath the night sky
Saturday July 4th, 2026
8:00 - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - All Day
9:00 AM
10:00 AM - All Day
12:00 - 2:00 PM
1:00 - 5:00 PM
Afternoon (Time TBC)
8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
11:00 PM
Community Pancake Breakfast - Main Gathering Area
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Start your day with a free community breakfast and a warm welcome from the organizing team. Opening remarks and a preview of the day's events will be shared.
Sakitawak Market and Cultural Demonstrations - Market Grounds / Workshop Areas
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Local arts and crafts for sale
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Walking Stick Workshop
-
Beading, Bannock-Making, Moose Call Horn and Fish Prep Demos
-
Sweat Lodge Experience (guided times posted onsite)
-
Boat Tours of historic family homes and landmarks (check schedule at info tent)
​
Competition Registration Opens - Info Tent / Registration Area
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Sign up for the day's exciting competitions, including canoe races, softball, beach volleyball, and more!
Sports and Traditional Games - Fields, Beach, and Competition Areas
Let the games begin!
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Softball 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+)
Free Soup and Bannock Lunch - Community Meal Tent
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Enjoy a hearty traditional lunch with friends, family, and guests
Poker Rally - Location TBD
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Join the fun and test your luck in a scenic community-wide poker rally
Live Performances - Main Stage or Arena​
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Youth talent and live music
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Red River Square Dance and Jig Competition - join in or cheer on your favourite dancer!
BlackHawk LIVE! - Arena
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Enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music from BlackHawk and special guests (TBD)! Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Guided Light Show - Forest Trail (Tentative)
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Experience the story of Ile-à-la-Crosse.brought to life through a stunning projection show in the trees
Sunday July 5th, 2026
8:00 - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - All Day
10:00 AM
10:00 AM - All Day
12:00 - 2:00 PM
1:00 - 3:00 PM
All Day
Evening
8:00 PM
11:00 PM
Community Pancake Breakfast - Main Gathering Area
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Fuel up for the day ahead with a hearty breakfast and morning greetings
Sakitawak Market and Cultural Demonstrations - Market Grounds / Workshop Areas
-
Local arts and crafts for sale
-
Walking Stick Workshop
-
Beading, Bannock-Making, Moose Call Horn and Fish Prep Demos
-
Sweat Lodge Experience (guided times posted onsite)
-
Boat Tours of historic family homes and landmarks (check schedule at info tent)
​
Memorial Unveiling - South Bay Park
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Join us in honouring our shared history and the loved ones who came before us with a meaningful memorial unveiling
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Bus transportation will be available
Sports and Community Competitions - Community Fields and Waterfront
The fun continues!
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Softball Tournament
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Canoe Races
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Beach Volleyball
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Voyageur Races
Free Soup and Bannock Lunch - Community Meal Tent
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Enjoy a hearty traditional lunch with friends, family, and guests
Square Dancing and Jigging Competition Finals - Main Stage
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Kick up your heels and show your style! Prizes and bragging rights are on the line.
Youth and Elders Programming - Friendship Centre and Elders Lodge
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Youth - focused games, crafts, and cultural learning
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Elder storytelling, tea, and land-based teachings
$25,000 Community Bingo - Location TBD
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Get your dabbers ready for one of the biggest bingo nights of the year!
Theatrical Presentation - Production TBA
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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.
Guided Light Show - Forest Trail (Tentative)
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End the night with the story of Ile-à-la-Crosse. brought to life through a stunning projection show in the trees
Monday July 6th, 2026
8:00 - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - All Day
10:00 AM - All Day
12:00 - 2:00 PM
All Day
1:00 - 5:00 PM
1:00 - 5:00 PM
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
7:00 - 9:00 PM
8:00 PM
11:00 PM
Community Pancake Breakfast - Main Gathering Area
-
Fuel up for the day ahead with a hearty breakfast and morning greetings
Sakitawak Market and Cultural Demonstrations - Market Grounds / Workshop Areas
-
Local arts and crafts for sale
-
Walking Stick Workshop
-
Beading, Bannock-Making, Moose Call Horn and Fish Prep Demos
-
Sweat Lodge Experience (guided times posted onsite)
-
Boat Tours of historic family homes and landmarks (check schedule at info tent)
​
Competitions Continue and Award Ceremonies - Fields, Beach and Competition Areas
It's the final push!
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Softball Tournament Finals
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Canoe Races Finals
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Beach Volleyball Finals
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Voyageur Races Finals
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Awards Presentation at the conclusion of each event
Free Soup and Bannock Lunch - Community Meal Tent
-
Enjoy a hearty traditional lunch with friends, family, and guests
Youth and Elders Programming - Friendship Centre and Elders Lodge
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Youth - focused games, crafts, and cultural learning
-
Elder storytelling, tea, and land-based teachings
Gospel Jamboree - Main Stage
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Enjoy an afternoon of music and inspiration with performances from special guests
Fishing Derby - Waterfront / Fishing Zones
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Grab your gear and cast a line in the community-wide derby!
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Prizes for various categories
Community Supper and Live Entertainment- Main Tent / Arena
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Join us for a hearty supper and enjoy live local talent while you dine
Talent Show - Main Stage
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Cheer on our community members while they showcase their unique talents - from music to comedy to dance!
Theatrical Presentation - Production TBA
-
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.
Guided Light Show - Forest Trail (Tentative)
-
End the night with the story of Ile-à-la-Crosse. brought to life through a stunning projection show in the trees
Tuesday July 7th, 2026
8:00 - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM - All Day
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1:00 PM
All Day
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
11:00 PM
Community Pancake Breakfast - Main Gathering Area
-
Enjoy breakfast with friends and neighbours while hearing about what's planned for the day
Sakitawak Market and Cultural Demonstrations - Market Grounds / Workshop Areas
-
Local arts and crafts for sale
-
Walking Stick Workshop
-
Beading, Bannock-Making, Moose Call Horn and Fish Prep Demos
-
Sweat Lodge Experience (guided times posted onsite)
-
Boat Tours of historic family homes and landmarks (check schedule at info tent)
​
Michif Language Conference - Hosted by the Office of the Commissioner 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 communit dialogue
Michif Scavenger Hunt and Michif Bingo - Check in at the Info Tent for Locations
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Fun and educational activities for all ages!
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Learn new words, explore your surroundings, and compete for prizes
Youth and Elders Programming - Friendship Centre and Elders Lodge
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Youth - focused games, crafts, and cultural learning
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Elder storytelling, tea, and land-based teachings
Community Supper and Entertainment- Main Tent / Arena
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Join us for another great meal, followed by entertainment and social time
Guided Light Show - Forest Trail (Tentative)
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End the night with the story of Ile-à-la-Crosse. brought to life through a stunning projection show in the trees
Wednesday July 8th, 2026
8:00 - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
All Day
All Day
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
7:00 - 9:00 PM
11:00 PM
Community Pancake Breakfast - Main Gathering Area
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One last chance to share a warm meal and reflect on memories of the past week
Family Fishing Derby - Waterfront / Fishing Zones
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Bring your rods and your family for one more round of lakeside fun.
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Prizes for kids, adults, and biggest catch of the day!
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Open Stage Performances - Main Stage
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Enjoy a full day of rotating performances by local artists, musicians, storytellers, and surprise guests
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Something new every hour!
Youth and Elders Programming - Friendship Centre and Elders Lodge
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Games, crafts, and fun for youth
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Cultural teachings, sharing circles, and quiet spaces for Elders
Community BBQ Supper - Community Grounds
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Gather together for a final feast - a chance to say thank you, reconnect, and close the celebration with a full heart and full plates!
Evening with Special Guest (TBA) - Main Tent / Arena
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Enjoy a unique and heartfelt evening with a special guest entertainer.
Guided Light Show - Forest Trail (Tentative)
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One last night under the northern sky, as lights and stories bring our history to life among the trees