Sep. 17, 2026

Each year, the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) program of the Municipal District of Opportunity hosts Annual Wabasca Cultural Days, bringing together youth, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to celebrate, share, and preserve Métis and Cree ways of life. In 2023 and 2024, the Healthy Horizons Foundation proudly supported the celebrations with a total of $30,000 in grant funding, helping create land-based cultural learning opportunities for youth.

Pictured above: Youth at Métis sash finger-weaving station (left); Youth at bread making station at the 2nd Annual Wabasca Cultural Days.

Throughout the days, youth learned Cree language, explored fish scale art, practiced traditional fish filleting and smoking techniques, and participated in friendly slingshot and moose calling competitions. In 2023, over 13 days of programming, about 14 learning stations at the community ground welcomed more than 100 students from local schools and neighbouring communities each day.

Pictured above: Youth learning traditional bread making and participating in competitions at the 3rd Annual Wabasca Cultural Days.

“These learning days instill a sense of pride, belonging and confidence in both youth and community members,” shared FCSS Coordinator Janice Auger. “They provide a safe space to share and learn cultural teachings, including survival skills and preserving the food resources that Mother Earth provides.”

By supporting opportunities for intergenerational learning, the Healthy Horizons Foundation is proud to continue empowering northern Indigenous youth, strengthening their connection to culture, language, and heritage while carrying these traditions forward.