Larry Loyie residential school exhibit opens

Photo: Cree author Larry Loyie is honoured to be the subject of a residential school exhibit

You are invited to attend the launch of the exhibit Larry Loyie and the Residential School Experience at the Native Cultural Arts Museum in Grouard, AB. The exhibit will be ongoing at the museum.

Well-known local author Larry Loyie will be on hand to sign books on Saturday, September 26, 2-3 pm, for the opening of a new exhibit at Northern Lakes College's Native Cultural Arts Museum in Grouard, Alberta.

The exhibit, Larry Loyie and the Residential School Experience, includes rarely seen photographs detailing the award-winning author's life and the St. Bernard Mission residential school he attended for six years. Copies of Loyie's books, including Goodbye Buffalo Bay set at the school, are available for sale at the museum. The exhibit is sponsored by a grant from Alberta Culture and Community Spirit.

The exhibit opening is being held in conjunction with the September 26 & 27 Grouard 100th Birthday Party Celebration hosted by the Grouard & Area Historical Society.

This centennial event begins Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Kisemanito Centre and includes old-time games, exhibits and an open house. From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. there will be an open house at the St. Bernard Church.

Saturday evening activities at the Kapawe’eno Band Hall include a $5.00 bison stew and bannock supper, birthday cake, speeches, a moose-calling contest and a country jamboree and dance.

Souvenir programs and ribbons will be given away and there will be 50/50 draws and raffles and a concession.

On Sunday, September 27, a special 10:30 a.m. church service will be held at St. Bernard’s Church. A lunch will follow at the Kisemanito Centre.