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AROUND THE SOUTH SLAVE: Fort Smith remembers landslide

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Thebacha/Fort Smith

The Town of Fort Smith will mark exactly 50 years since the 1968 landslide with a special commemoration on Aug. 9. The ceremony will take place at St. Joseph's Cathedral and all are welcome.

On Aug. 9 in 1968, a major landslide took out a chunk of the Fort Smith river bank, bringing down three homes and part of the power plant, reported the Northern Journal.

One woman, Kay Ferguson, lost her life.

The 50th anniversary of the landslide begins at 11 a.m. with a mass, followed by a book launch to commemorate the disaster.

The event also includes the unveiling of a bench dedicated to Ferguson and a plaque for the families that were relocated.

The commemoration will be capped off with a fish fry and a drum dance.

More information can be found at fortsmith.ca.

Paddlefest fast approaching

Thebacha/Fort Smith

Registration is open for Fort Smith's marquee whitewater event.

Paddlefest will take place on the Slave River in Fort Smith over the August long weekend, from Aug. 3 to 6.

This year's festivities include tandem and voyager canoe races, stand-up paddleboard jousting and kayak rodeos.

One need not be an expert to take part in the fun, paddlers of all skill levels are welcome.

There will also be paddle-free events, including guided hikes, yoga and a beach-themed party.

Sign up for the event at slaveriverpaddlefest.ca

Free to be the real me

Thebacha/Fort Smith

Smith's Landing First Nation is hosting a week of self-esteem and addictions workshops for young people.

The workshops, called Free to be the Real Me, started on July 16 and are running until July 20 at the Fort Fitzgerald Community Hall.

Beverley Bagnall and Frank Hope are facilitating.

Youth ages 15 to 20 who are interested in attending can call the Smith's Landing First Nation office.