Who we are?
The Lac La Biche Pow Wow & Fish Derby Association is a proud community-driven organization dedicated to celebrating Indigenous culture, tradition, and outdoor heritage in the Lac La Biche region.
Founded with the vision of bringing people together, we host two of the area’s most cherished annual events — the Lac La Biche Pow Wow and the Fish Derby. These events are more than just gatherings; they are a vibrant showcase of Indigenous dance, music, storytelling, and traditional practices, alongside the thrill and camaraderie of sport fishing on our beautiful lakes.
Our Mission & Vision
To preserve and promote Indigenous culture through authentic
Pow Wow celebrations while fostering community engagement
through our annual Fish Derby. We strive to create inclusive
events that educate, inspire, and bring together people of
all backgrounds to celebrate our shared heritage and love
for the land and waters of Lac La Biche.
To be recognized as a leading organization in cultural
preservation and community building, where generations come
together to honor traditions, create lasting memories, and
develop a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture and the
natural beauty of our region. We envision a future where our
events serve as bridges between cultures and catalysts for
local economic growth.
All About Community!
Lac La Biche Pow Wow Days has a rich history rooted in community celebration and Indigenous heritage, officially taking shape in the 1960s after a precursor event in 1955. The event has returned to its original name and is now led by a new board, emphasizing its commitment to culture, history, and local pride. Businesses and individuals wishing to donate or sponsor, we thank you in advance.
Our 2025 Board of Directors
Shawn McDonald
President
Amanny Abougouche
Vice President - As Vice President of the Lac La Biche Pow Wow and Fish Derby Association, President of the Ladies Muslim Association, Treasurer of KidSport, and Branch Manager at ATB, I am passionate about bringing people together and giving back to the community I love. I believe in the power of kindness, collaboration, and celebrating the diverse strengths that make Lac La Biche so special. My goal is to help create opportunities, support local families, and bring the Pow Wow back to its original ways while inspiring others to get involved and make a difference.
Ian Cloutier
Treasurer - Ian is proud to be a member of the Pow Wow association. After growing up in the region he joined the board to provide his planning and finance expertise. He brings 12 years of Financial Services experience including the last 6 in senior leadership. He also sits on the Lac La Biche County Economic Development & Advisory Committee. He is proud of our region, its people, rich diversity and ancestry.
Chantal Sparklingeyes
Secretary - Tansi, I am Chantel Sparklingeyes, and I am pleased to be the Secretary for the Lac La Biche Pow Wow and Fish Derby Association. I am born and raised from the Metis community of Lac La Biche and am dedicated to working for my community to uplift culture and connection in this position.
Heyam Taha
Director - Lac La Biche has always been home — I was born and raised here, and I’m proud to be part of its story. I wear a few hats: I run 881 Corner Gas/Joe’s Grill and 881 Towing, serve as Vice President of the Ladies Muslim Association, and sit as a Director with the Lac La Biche Pow Wow and Fish Derby Association. Through all of these roles, one thing stays the same — my commitment to community. Whether it’s supporting local families, helping preserve our traditions, or just offering a good meal and a friendly face, I believe in showing up and doing my part. This is more than where I live — it’s who I am.
Mike Lameman
Director - My name is Micheal Lameman. I’m 40 years old, born and raised in the Lac La Biche area, and currently living on Beaver Lake Cree Nation where I serve as a Band Councillor. I’m also a proud father of four. Growing up, I was deeply involved in the Pow Wow Days celebrations—those memories have stayed with me. Today, I’m honoured to be in a position where I can help bring back the spirit of those nostalgic times. But as a Councillor, I also carry the responsibility of ensuring that this is done with cultural inclusion and the utmost respect for our traditions.
Ali Fyith
Director - Ali has played in this prestigious tournament for over 20 years during its peak and has helped organize it for the past 10 years. He has also been actively involved in various minor sports associations in Lac La Biche for more than a decade. Ali has hosted multiple provincial, slo-pitch, and fast-pitch tournaments. “I’m very excited to be part of this event and help rebuild it to its former glory. Lac La Biche is a ball-loving community, and they’ll get their fill this August long weekend!”
Ed Thring
Director - What can I say about myself? I'm a social, friendly guy who’s always happy to lend a hand. I love seeing kids running around, laughing, and just being kids. After moving to this community 12 years ago, I found myself getting more and more involved. I joined the Elks and the Legion, and over the years I’ve helped out with many local events—from handing out free ice fishing rods at Elks on Ice to getting muddy at the Plamondon Mud Bogs. So of course, it only makes sense to be part of one of the biggest events of the year: the Pow Wow Days and Fish Derby. I hope everyone has a great time—see you out there!
Ken Staples
Director - Very active in the community. Founder and event coordinator of the Winter Festival of Speed for the past 42 years. Has served as the president of the Lions Club. Served as long time board member of Community Futures. Served 2 terms as member of the Portage College board of governors. Held executive positions with the Metis Child and Family Services. Active with the LLB Legion, currently serving as treasurer. Now serving as a director with the LLB Pow Wow Association and organizer of the automotive Show & Shine that is part of the Pow Wow weekend.
Hazel Costa
Director - I Hazzle costa long term resident of lac la Biche and proud Albertan, with my family owns and operate 2 businesses in this lovely town. I along with my family moved to lac la Biche 15 years ago looking for a better life and believe me I never looked back at that decision with regret. I like the multicultural and vibrant social life lac la Biche has and volunteer for chamber of commerce and economic development board. Hope I will come true to your expectation and make this pow wow a memorable one.
Tanis Boucher
Director - So about me, very proud mom of 2 kids and 2 grandkids. A member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation and also a member of Beaver Lake Cree Nation Pow Wow committee, I was raised playing sports went from playing ladies fastball to slo-pitch which I loved and now retired. I found a new sport to play which is golfing and I love it lol, I like to think that I’m a strong, indigenous woman, proud proud of my culture, and I’m really big on the reconciliation. I’d like to help out where I can and when I can with my community.
Rene Schaub
Director - My name is Rene Schaub, President of Lakeland Archers and we are hosting Archery Outdoor Nationals at the same time as Pow Wow days and I wanted to make sure that we could get our 500 archers from across Canada involved with as many activities from Pow Wow days as possible.
