La Loche
La Loche is a village in northwest Saskatchewan, Canada. It is located on the eastern shore of Lac La Loche, approximately 500 kilometres (310 miles) north of Meadow Lake.
La Loche is situated within the boreal forest and is considered a gateway to the Athabasca Basin. The community's economy is largely based on resource extraction, including forestry, fishing, and tourism.
The population of La Loche is predominantly Métis and First Nations. The primary languages spoken are English and Dene Suline.
La Loche has experienced significant challenges, including high unemployment, housing shortages, and limited access to services. In 2016, the community gained international attention following a school shooting. Since then, efforts have been made to address the underlying social and economic issues affecting the region.
The village is accessible by road via Highway 155, which connects it to the rest of Saskatchewan. There is also a small airport, La Loche Airport, that provides air service to the community. Local government is provided by the Village of La Loche.