A deeply personal homecoming brought Alberta-based Métis author Karen Hourie Ellefson back to Portage last week, where she hosted a special reading of her children’s book inside the Hourie House, a historic building named after her own family.
The event was part of a free summer reading program at the Fort la Reine Museum, organized in partnership with the Family Resource Centre. The museum’s executive director, Emma Ens-MacIver, says the experience was both meaningful and memorable for Ellefson and the community alike.
“She wanted to do a reading of her book at the museum, and we were so happy to have her,” says Ens-MacIver.
The program welcomed families with young children for an afternoon of stories, crafts, and cultural connection. After Ellefson read from her recently published book, children participated in a Métis art-inspired craft activity, designed to celebrate Indigenous culture.
"We like to do it at least once or twice a summer, and this one was extra cool because her book ties closely into the museum's history," she continues. "It explains a little bit of her life, and it connects to the Hourie House here, which is great because we're trying to raise funds to restore that foundation and keep that house in good shape."

Looking ahead, the museum is already planning another storytime event in September, this time in collaboration with both the Family Resource Centre and Portage la Prairie Regional Library.
Although the museum closes for the season on Sunday, August 31, that doesn't mean the events are over.
On August 30, visitors can gather under the stars for 'Ghost Stories and S’mores,' a unique evening event held in partnership with Winnipeg-based paranormal podcast Giving Up the Ghost.
“This one’s geared more to teens and adults,” she explains. “It’ll be later in the evening, with a campfire, a tarot reader, and some storytelling with a supernatural twist. We know Halloween is typically geared towards children, but there are a lot of adults in the area who are looking for fun stuff to do as well.”
The ghost-themed gathering will serve as a warm-up to the museum’s annual paranormal investigation night, set for October, which has become a popular tradition for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
Additionally, folks can still participate in the 'Farm to Table Fall Fundraising Dinner', where they can purchase single seats or full tables to support Fort la Reine in rebuilding the historic Trading Post.
As summer winds down, Fort la Reine Museum continues to bring history to life through engaging events that celebrate culture, community, and connection. Whether through children’s stories or spine-tingling ghost tales, there's something for everyone to discover.
For event tickets, fundraiser information, and seasonal updates, visit www.fortlareinemuseum.com or contact the museum directly.
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