Death is scary… or is it?
That was the question we ended up talking about around the Lakeside Leader office after attending the community’s first Death Café last week.
Before going, many of us thought the conversation would be gloomy or uncomfortable.
Instead, it turned out to be thoughtful, interesting, and even surprisingly uplifting.
We found ourselves discussing everything from burial preferences to cremation, the rising cost of caskets, and even some unique ideas for final resting places.
A few of us joked that we’d rather be buried with a tree and become part of nature, hoping that one day the tree would grow tall in our memory.
It certainly made for an unforgettable office conversation.
The Death Café reminded us that talking about death doesn’t have to be frightening. In fact, having these conversations can make it easier to understand our own wishes and talk openly with the people we love.
Curious about what the discussion was like? Turn to Page 25 to read the full story.

Beachfest is here!
One of Slave Lake’s biggest summer weekends has arrived! If you’re heading to Beachfest, have fun, stay safe, and don’t forget to smile – you might just end up in next week’s Lakeside Leader publication.
We have plenty of photos and coverage from the weekend in our next edition.

Last week, we invited readers to nominate local volunteer heroes who quietly make a difference in our communities.
The response? Well… our phone has been awfully quiet.
No one has called us yet, but there’s still plenty of time.
We know there are many incredible volunteers across Slave Lake, Smith, Kinuso, Canyon Creek, Wabasca, and the surrounding communities who deserve a little recognition.
Whether they coach youth sports, organize community events, help at the library, volunteer at schools, or simply lend a hand whenever needed, we’d love to hear about them.
Selected volunteers will receive a $50 gift card as a small thank-you for everything they do.
Know someone who deserves the spotlight? Give us a call at 780-849-4380 or email lakesideleader@gmail.com with the volunteer’s name and contact information.
Let’s celebrate the people who help make our communities a better place.

Bigstone Cree Nation has announced the dates for its 2026 Treaty Days celebrations, which honour the signing of Treaty 8 while bringing communities together to celebrate Cree culture, traditions, and heritage.
The celebrations are scheduled for Chipewyan Lake on Aug. 10, Calling Lake on Aug. 12, and Wabasca on Aug. 13 and 14.
Organizers say the agendas for each location will be released closer to the event dates.
The Lakeside Leader will provide coverage of the celebrations and share more details as they become available.

The Wabasca Public Library is hosting STEAM activities for children ages eight and up, with a new subject to explore each week.
The program kicked off with science, giving young participants a chance to learn while having some hands-on fun.
The sessions continue throughout August.
No registration is required. Each session runs for approximately one to two hours.
For more information, contact the Wabasca Public Library at 825-904-7640 or email wbascalibrary@mdopportunitylibraries.ca.