Historic site declared

Page 3

One of Alberta's original historic sites, significant to Native people, was officially declared a provincial historic resource by Culture Minister Dennis Anderson Sept. 1.

The Lac La Biche Mission, located 10 miles southwest of the townsite on the south shore of the lake, was recognized as an important part of Alberta's heritage after careful examination of its history and significance to the development of the West.

The designation follows five years of lobbying by the Lac La Biche Historical Preservation Society to preserve this bit of local colour. During the ceremony, Anderson unveiled a plaque that details the Mission's mandate and contribution to the North.

The Notre Dame des Victoires mission was established in 1853 by Fr. Remas and formally consecreated a year later during a ceremony attended by Fr. Lacombe. It was one of several locations where the Roman Catholic Church began formal missionary work to the Canadian West in 1731.

The mission site moved six miles east of the original location the following year.

In addition to a role as a supply base it also served as a residential school for Native children and the episcopal seat of the Athabasca Diocese from 1877 to 1889.

The first building was constructed in 1856. That same year, Fr. Remas's original house was transported by raft to the new site and the two buildings formed the nucleus of the mission. In anticipation of the arrive of the Grey Nuns a third building was begun in 1858.

In 1862 the first sisters of the Order of the Sister's of Charity, or Grey Nuns, so called after the color of their habit, arrived. By 1864 they had forty day pupils in attendance. The numbers soon dwindled, however, when the children's parent wanted their return. Attendance rose again during the latter part of the year after Bishop Tache managed to persuade the Metis and Natives on the importance of a religious education. But the parents charged their minds again and took the students back again. At this point the Sister's changed their focus to orphans and otherwise homeless Native children.

The Lac La Biche Mission was the site of the first book published in Alberta in 1878 titled "Historic Sainte en Montagnais" (The Holy Bible in Chipewyan). Bishop Tache, one of the founding members, also played the role during the Riel Rebellion. After Riel's sentence had been passed, Tache personally interceded to Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada's first prime minister, to commute Riel's death sentence. He was unsuccessful.

During the course of the historic designation ceremony culture minister Anderson presented Historical Society president Tom Maccagno with a $4,000 cheque for restoration purposes. During his speech, Anderson suggested the town of Lac La Biche should show their good faith in the project and match that figure.

Also in attendance were senior Sisters of Charity from the Grey Nun Centre of Edmonton, Bishop Raymond Roy and the Provincial Superior of the Oblates, Fr. Felix Vallee. Other dignitaries included the town's mayor and Sam Sinclair, former president of the Metis Association of Alberta.

A report is expected shortly that will identify the various options the Historical Society has for the restoration and preservation of the old building.