The owners of a Lac La Biche-area restaurant were dismayed to find that a First Nations Canadian flag that had been flying outside their establishment for the past year was recently taken.
Kristoffer Benson & Stephanie Shreenan are the owners of Pasture + Market, which shares the same building as the Lac La Biche Golf and Country Club. According to Benson, the incident occurred on the evening of July 30 at 9:57 p.m. and was caught on surveillance camera.
“My wife and I installed the First Nations Canadian Flag and flagpole outside of our restaurant at the beginning of our first season in 2023,” Benson told Lakeland This Week. “I am First Nations from the Beaver Lake Cree Nation... and proud of my heritage.”
In the video, the person is seen walking up the steps of the restaurant and removing the flag. This surveillance video, Benson explained, has received 5,000 views since being posted and shared online, while the businesses’ social media team has handled numerous inquiries and received dozens of messages potentially identifying the individual.
Since posting the video, RCMP have been notified and Benson has provided information to police for them to follow-up.
Benson says the owners of Pasture + Market appreciate the support they have received from restaurant patrons and community members.
While they are unclear as to why someone would steal a flag that has cultural significance, the owners are hoping the flag can be located.
“We’re unsure what the motive was behind this theft and hope our cultural flag is returned to us to continue to provide inspiration, welcoming nature, and inclusivity to all,” Benson said.
