Jul. 29, 2026

The first week of July marked an important milestone for the Ile-à-la-Crosse, SK, celebrating it historic 250th anniversary as one of the oldest communities in Canada. The Northern Ile-à-la-Crosse store proudly supported the gathering through a $25,000 sponsorship, bringing together residents and visitors from across the country for a week of cultural and community celebrations.

Pictured above: Residents at the afternoon community parade in floats and horse-drawn carriages.

The anniversary week featured cultural performances and workshops, canoe competitions, Métis and Cree storytelling, along with live music and refreshments. The opening day ceremony also showcased a reenactment of the Treaty 10 signing on the beach, honour songs, prayers, and a vibrant community parade.

Pictured above: (Left to Right) Director of Store Operations Rasa Kanagaiah, Director of Store Operations Doug Anderson, Northern’s GM Supervisor Claire Daigneault, and Store Manager Ade Peter Agbemuko; Store Manager alongside staff and community members.

“This week really showed the strength of Ile-à-la-Crosse as a community with deep connections to its history, language, and Métis roots,” shared Director of Store Operations, Rasa Kanagaiah, from The North West Company. “As a community partner, we’re grateful for such opportunities for the team to continue to learn, listen, and build respectful relationships with the communities we serve."

“For many community members, the week felt like a homecoming celebration, a chance for everyone to come together and honour our traditions and ways of living,” shared Mayor Myra Melboeuf. “We’re grateful to partners like Northern who joined us and showed their support in many ways than one.”