Inside Lac La Biche’s Homeless Shelter “Out of The Elements”

Tansi (hello, how are you?). While attending the peaceful protest outside McArthur Place in Lac La Biche, Alberta, I requested a full tour of the “Lakeland Out of the Elements Shelter” with camera in hand. The staff and residents welcomed me openly. The first half of the tour was led by Shelter Executive Director Seanna Wilvers, while the second half was guided by shelter resident Shawn Berland. What I expected and what I witnessed were two very different things. Inside, I saw a clean and organized facility with a kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, sleeping areas, and most importantly, a supportive and caring environment. I witnessed staff treating residents with dignity, kindness, and compassion. Behind the headlines and online arguments are real human beings trying to survive. These series of videos are not meant to divide people, but hopefully to educate, reveal some truths, and shed light on the realities facing both the shelter and the community as a whole. This story is bigger than politics. Bigger than headlines. These are people’s lives. Métis Man Media will continue striving to tell balanced stories, even when the conversations are difficult or emotional. I encourage everyone to watch these interviews and videos with an open mind and open heart. Please support our work by liking, sharing, and subscribing to our YouTube channel as we work toward reaching 1,000 subscribers. If you would like to help support Métis Man Media with fuel costs, travel, equipment wear and tear, and continued community storytelling, you can support us here: 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/themetisman Together, we all can be part of the solution, so nobody is left behind or outside. Kinanâskomitinâwâw (thank you all). Ekosi mâka (that’s it for now). Shawn McDonald The Métis Man