Pictured above: (Left) Leanne Galley, Principal of Duscharme Public School and board member of the SRC, receiving a donation with Clifford Laprise, Clearwater River Band Councillor and La Loche SRC member, from Leanne Giroux, Portage La Loche Northern Admin Manager.

Residents of La Loche, SK, have been enjoying continued recreational programming throughout the summer, thanks to the dedicated efforts of La Loche Sports, Recreation, and Cultural (SRC) and the financial support of Portage La Loche Northern.

Over the last few months, Clearwater River Band Councillor Clifford Laprise and his team at La Loche SRC planned out the details of the programming to benefit the community this year. Prior to the pandemic, La Loche SRC organized in-person activities and programming, with an emphasis on sports, craftsmanship and life skills. These included the occasional ball game, trips to nearby clearings for days of ice fishing, or afternoons spent learning how to make traps under the instruction of the community’s Elders.

Pictured above: Community members participating in an ice fishing tournament and a soccer workshop for youth beginners.

Looking back to last year, La Loche SRC had a challenging year as they had to navigate through COVID-19 restriction. At the onset of the pandemic, the organization worked quickly to create comprehensive online programs as alternatives to their in-person activities. While some activities were still held in a face-to-face setting, the bulk of the community submitted video clips and photos to La Loche SRC. The contests gave residents a chance to show off their talents – such as through song and dance – while also staying connected with one another. La Loche SRC ensured that everyone who wanted to participate had an opportunity to join. 

Pictured above: (Left) La Loche SRC’s 2020 talent show registration rules, carried over to an online program last summer. Community members making ribbon skirts.

Portage La Loche Northern was proud to support La Loche SRC’s efforts this year by donating $5,000 in funds that helped restart the in-person programming this summer. Laprise shares that these funds will go towards many of their programs, such as volleyball, soccer, fishing, kayaking, etc. along with providing large inflatables, such as slides and ball pits, for kids in the community.