School is now in full swing and fall events are ramping up. Here are some recent news events in the region.
The Mistassiniy Mustangs, of Wabasca, won the girls’ side of the annual Prairie River junior high school invitational volleyball tournament Sept. 11-12 in High Prairie.
The Mustangs defeated the Peace River High Nomads in a third set in the final of the 10-team tournament.
The Prairie River Raiders “A” team beat the Donnelly Georges P. Vanier Vipers “A” team to finish third.
Mistassiniy defeated the Vanier “A” team in the semifinals while Peace River beat Prairie River “A” in the other semifinal.
Other teams in the tournament included Prairie River “B”, the High Prairie St. Andrew’s Saints “A” team, the St. Andrew’s “B” team, the G.P. Vanier “B” team, the Kinuso Knights, and Roland Michener Rams, of Slave Lake.
Daryl Margo Auger has announced her candidacy for chief of Bigstone Cree Nation after accepting a nomination.
Auger brings about nine years of experience working in First Nation governance and Treaty 8 affairs, including serving as chief administrative officer for the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta. She has also worked with Alberta Indigenous Relations, the oilsands industry and the Municipal District of Opportunity No. 17.
Auger said she is running with a focus on strengthening governance, protecting Bigstone Cree Nation’s identity and preparing for future generations.
The Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre will host a youth Halloween dance on Oct. 30 from 5 to 10 p.m.
The free event is open to youth ages 12 to 17 and will include a costume contest, free hamburgers and prizes.
Pop, chips and treats will also be available for purchase at the canteen, which accepts cash only.
The centre says drugs and alcohol will not be permitted at the event.
For more information, call 780-849-3039.
The Municipal District of Lesser Slave River is reminding residents that fire permits are required for outdoor burning, with the exception of campfires, during Alberta’s wildfire season.
Permits are free and can be obtained online or through a local forestry office. The provincial fire-permit requirement runs from March 1 to Oct. 31.
The M.D. said burning without a valid permit, or outside the conditions of a permit, can result in fines of up to $600. Residents should also check current fire bans and restrictions before burning, as permits may be suspended or cancelled when restrictions are in effect.
For assistance with permits, residents can contact the Slave Lake forestry office at 780-849-7377 or the Lac La Biche office at 780-623-5388. Wildfires can be reported by calling 310-FIRE (3473), available 24 hours a day.
The Slave Lake Farmers’ Market held its annual Sweater Weather Fall Market on Saturday, on Main Street in Slave Lake.
The event ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured local vendors, food trucks and face painting. The market partnered with BWorthy Bra Boutique, Creative Goods and the Slave Lake Chamber of Commerce as part of the Hello Autumn event. The market offered an opportunity for residents to shop locally and enjoy fall-themed activities with family and friends.
The Town of Slave Lake has closed the Tamarack Valley Splash Zone at Hilda Eben Park and the Schurter Park Spray Park for the 2026 season.
The washroom at Hilda Eben Park is also closed until next season.
The town thanked residents for using and caring for the parks throughout the summer and reminded residents to report garbage, graffiti or maintenance concerns by calling 780-849-8000.
The splash parks are expected to reopen in summer 2027.
Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region is promoting the Mâmawi-Wîcihitowin Indigenous Entrepreneur Conference, set for Oct. 22 in Slave Lake.
The conference will bring together Indigenous entrepreneurs, business leaders, tourism operators and community members for presentations, networking and information about business supports and funding opportunities.
Keynote speaker Greg Hopf will discuss Indigenous tourism, while other sessions will feature stories from Indigenous entrepreneurs and practical business-focused discussions.
Seats are limited.
Champions Health & Fitness in Slave Lake is now allowing youth ages 13 to 15 to train at the gym, starting with cardio equipment, courts and group fitness classes.
Youth must complete a free orientation and be accompanied by a supervising adult member. Strength training equipment will be introduced gradually based on experience and assessments.
Parents can visit the front desk to add their child to the orientation list.
There is a new restaurant in town, Kukuruku Crispy Chicken.
It’s located in the cornerstone, just near Staples.
The Lakeside Leader went to its opening on Sept. 18.
A story about the owners and pictures of the restaurant will appear in next week’s issue.