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Lac La Biche

Rocky
Mountain House

Lac Ste. Anne

St. Albert

Our Lady of
Peace Mission

Lesser
Slave Lake

Dunvegan



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Heritage Trails - Presented by CKUA  Towns: Grouard
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1792: Fur Trade Starts in the Peace River Country
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HBC GrouardSettlement at Lesser Slave Lake in central Alberta started in 1799 with the establishment of a North West Company fur trade post. Over time the post and surrounding community became an important stopover on the Klondike trail and  an important link in the trade route of the Peace River district.

Catholic Mission GrouardIn 1841 Methodist James Evans became the first missionary in the area. Soon after, and with the assistance of fellow missionary Robert Rundle, Evans reported notable success in his efforts with146 baptisms and 17 marriages of predominantly Métis people. 

Heritage Trails - Presented by CKUA Treaty #8, Part 4: Famous People at the Negotiations
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Historic Trails: St. Albert to Athabasca Landing
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Ethnic Roots: Métis
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Anglican Church GrouardWhile a Catholic missionary visited the Lesser Slave Lake area as early as 1841, it was not until 1870 that a permanent Roman Catholic mission was established-St. Bernard's Mission. An Anglican mission, St. Peter's, emerged in 1887, although it only remained for three short years.

St. Bernard InsideAs a community, Lesser Slave Lake witnessed the arrival of gold prospectors, traders and settlers. In 1893, to support the growing population, the North West Mounted police established its first detachment in the Peace River Country at Les ser Slave Lake. The missionaries also reacted to the population increase and invited the Sisters of Providence. Additionally, a residential school was built for the area's growing number of children.

Land Office GrouardIn 1909 the settlement at Lesser Slave Lake was renamed Grouard in honour of the resident Roman Catholic Bishop Father Émile Grouard. The Bishop's legacy in the area is not only limited to the name of the settlement, however-much of the interior of the church at St. Bernard was painted by Grouard himself, and remains preserved as a provincial historic landmark.

Catholic Misson GrouardSt. Bernard TabernacleCree MosesNorthern Lakes CollegeSt. Bernard and Dorm


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