Lac La Biche Mission

The Lac La Biche Mission (officially Notre Dame des Victoires / Lac La Biche Mission) Historic Site is located on the scenic shores of Lac la Biche Lake. Originally established in 1853, by Oblate missionaries, in what is now the town of Lac La Biche, Alberta, it was moved to its current location in 1855. The mission introduced agriculture, boat building, saw milling, and other pre-industrial skills to people living in the area. The site currently has several historical buildings and displays. Guided tours are available. The Lac La Biche Mission is a Provincial Historic Site (Alberta) and a National Historic Site (Canada).[1]

Convent

Located on the Mission historic site, is the convent . Built in 1894, it is the oldest building on site. It was building from sawn timber, cut at the Missions' own sawmill. Inside, visitors can see the large beams used in the construction as well as some of the original flooring.

The convent was one of the most significant buildings on the site for its multiple use as a school, chapel, hospice and the residence for nuns, orphans, and other students. It currently houses several displays including, the Metis Room which is shown in the Priests Dining Room, which has a part of the original wall with paint made from algae and calcimine. The Archaeology Display is currently in a room that was once a part of the kitchen. This room showcases items found after the 2009 Rectory Fire, as well as items pulled from the lake during the Archaeological digs. It has on display, a large collection of photos featuring former students who attended school at the Lac La Biche Mission.

Education

Between 1856 - 1864, students attended the Mission school sporadically. In 1862, the Sisters of Charity (Grey Nuns) arrived and began teaching aboriginal children in the Convent. However, once the Les Filles de Jésus (Daughters of Jesus) arrived at the Mission in 1905, they established a school for local children as well as for students who were sent to board at the convent. The Oblates wanted all children to learn together so there was no separation of race. The Mission school taught mathematics, reading, religious studies, French, English, drawing, husbandry, and household skills. The sisters taught in the convent until 1961. After that, a schoolhouse was brought to the site and remained in operation until the school closed in 1963.

References

  1. ↑ Canada's Historic Places. "Notre Dame des Victoires / Lac La Biche Mission National Historic Site". Retrieved 2014-01-19.

Coordinates: 54°49′24″N 112°05′30″W / 54.8233°N 112.0916°W / 54.8233; -112.0916

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