Lac Ste. Anne (Alberta)

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lac Ste. Anne
image_lake =
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Alberta
coords = coord|53|42|40|N|114|23|49|W|type:waterbody_region:CA-AB|display=inline,title
type = eutrophic
inflow = Sturgeon River
outflow = Sturgeon River
catchment = 619 km²
basin_countries = Canada
length =
width =
area = km2 to mi2|54.5|abbr=yes|wiki=yes
depth = convert|4.8|m|ft|1|abbr=on
max-depth = convert|9|m|ft|abbr=on
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = convert|730|m|ft|abbr=on
islands = Farming Island, Horse Island, Castle Island
cities = Alberta Beach, Yellowstone, Ross Haven

Lac Ste. Anne is a large lake in central Alberta, Canada. It is located in Lac Ste. Anne County, along Highway 43, 75 km west of Edmonton.

The lake has a total area of 54.5 km², a maximum depth of 9 m, and an average depth of 4.8 m. [ [http://sunsite.ualberta.ca/Projects/Alberta-Lakes/view/?region=North%20Saskatchewan%20Region&basin=North%20Saskatchewan%20River%20Basin&lake=Lac%20Ste.%20Anne&number=82 Atlas of Alberta Lakes] - Lac Ste. Anne] Lac Ste. Anne lies at an elevation of 730 m, and has a drainage area of 619 km². The eutrophic lake is formed along the Sturgeon River through which it drains into the North Saskatchewan River. Two islands are found at the western end of the lake, "Farming Island" and "Horse Island", while the small "Castle Island" lies at the eastern tip of the lake.

History

Lac Ste. Anne has a long history related to the first European settlements in Alberta.

It was first called "Wakamne", or God's Lake by the Nakota Sioux, and "Manitou Sakhahigan" (Lake of the Spirit) by the Cree first nations before the arrival of the settlers.

The legend goes that the Indians hunted buffalo, and fished in the lake called Manitou Sakhahigan. Indian legend told of a large monster that lived in the lake, and as it moved it would create dangerous and unpredictable currents, which could easily capsize a canoe. Very few people saw the monster but when the priests came they renamed the lake Devil's Lake in reference to the reported lake monster.

Elders of Alexis Reserve remember their Grandparents telling of how as children they would go out on the lake and peer down through the then clear water to the lake bottom in search of the monster. They would hope and fear that they might actually see its legendary form.

In 1842 Father Thibault decided to create a permanent mission for the Métis people, He knew that there were many French-Indians who needed to be married, baptized, and instructed in the ways of the Church, Devils Lake was a central location with good fertile fields, tall trees for lumber, and plenty of fish and wildlife. It was also far enough away from the Hudson Bay politics found in Fort Edmonton.

On September 8, 1842 father Thibault and father Bourassa moved into their newly constructed home without doors or windows, and with a dirt floor. The building would also serve as the Church until one could be constructed. This was done the following year.

That same day Father Thibault also renamed the lake to Lac Ste. Anne, honoring his promise to the patron saint, Ste. Anne.

So began the Mission of Lac Ste. Anne. The Fathers began the teachings of the Church, and also taught the people how to farm, they had predicted the demise of the buffalo, and strove to make the Métis people self-sufficient. By 1859 the mission boasted 17 fat and fine cows, 15 horses, 10 dogs, 10 cats, and a garden with flowerbeds. Pigs and sheep were not raised because of the dogs and wild predators. Crops included wheat, barley, potatoes, cabbage, onions, and turnips. The Mission supplied Fort Edmonton with the majority of their food. Fact|date=March 2008

In 1859 three Gray Nuns journeyed the arduous trek from Montreal to the Mission. They were the third, fourth and fifth white women to travel to Alberta. On September 24 Lac Ste. Anne welcomed these brave women with enough mud to bog down their wagon at the entrance to the Mission. The Sisters began their lives here by learning the Cree language, starting a school, helping in the gardens and painting the windows of the Church so that worshipers would not be distracted by the beauty outside during services.

The Mission grew until there were over two thousand people. The Hudson Bay store, a separate school, an orphanage retreat, a Northwest Mounted Police barracks, a dance hall, a post office, several stores, saloons and hotels moved into the area complimenting the Church, Rectory and Convent.

At one time this mission was larger in population and commerce than Fort Edmonton.

Father Lacombe, who arrived in 1852, was a Priest who was filled with vision and a great deal of common sense. In 1861 he decided for many sound reasons to build a new Mission at St. Albert. When he left the Lac. Ste A1me Mission was almost deserted by pastors and flock. All that was left were a few homes, the Church and Rectory, the Nun's residences: and the Miracle.

Today pilgrims come to the lake from all over the world, many walking miles bare-footed as penance to witness or he a part of the miracle of healing. Lac Ste. Anne has, since the time of the Plains Indians, been reported to be an instrument of healing.Fact|date=March 2008 As far back as 1889 the Fathers recorded healing of various ailments: from general sickliness to tuberculosis, gout, or paralysis, that the waters of Lac Ste. Anne were reported to cure.Fact|date=March 2008 Testimony is displayed in the shrine in the form of crutches and sight canes no longer needed by the owners.Fact|date=March 2008

Over forty thousand people now attend the annual pilgrimage in the last week of July, which is sponsored by the Oblate Fathers.Fact|date=March 2008 Fathers, Bishops and Cardinals all come to help people not only in the curing of physical ailments, but spiritual as well. Oaths of sobriety, along with other life style promises are made, and prayers and forgiveness are given.

Through the pilgrimage days hundreds of small miracles occur.Fact|date=March 2008 The recipients take these experiences with them and draw on them for the rest of their lives. Ste. Anne, the Grandmother of Jesus, the personification of caring, wisdom and love, is said to smile during these days.

Several miles east, Lac Ste. Anne was the hostess of more history. In 1912 the Alberta Northern Rail built the railroad to what is now Alberta Beach, it brought its employees out for company picnics and holidays. By 1920 they had incorporated the area as a summer village, built a dance pavilion, a large wooden pier, and several cabins. Other companies such as Marshall Wells and Woodwards then began to bring their employees out for the same relaxing and beautiful atmosphere.

There was such a demand for this atmosphere that the Moonlight express was started. A.N.R. picked people up in Edmonton on Saturday mornings, took them to Alberta Beach., then picked them up Sunday night to take them back to Edmonton.

Soon people began purchasing and building their own cabins, and small businesses. In 1999 the Summer Village of Alberta Beach became a Village boasting 884 year round residents, and swelling to over three thousand people during long weekends. A hotel and many small businesses prosper within the Village. Alberta Beach has developed in many ways wbile still preserving the reason for its popularity. The tranquility and beauty of the lake still draws admiration and provides relaxation to those who come to enjoy the area.

In the 1900's the hamlet of Gunn was also developing as a major trade center, consisting mainly of Métis and Indian people. There was two flour mills, a blacksmith shop, the hotel, several stores and trading posts that nestled beside the train station. In the 1930's an Army training center was built where the Gunn housing center now operates. Prosperity reigned until the Army left and the C.N.R. removed its rail station. With it, many of the residents and businesses also left.

Today all that remains is a combination store, laundromat, restaurant, car wash and a Post Office, Community hall and University observation and research station, as well as the Gunn Housing and Senior's Center.

A French Viscount by the name of Charles de Gaze, In the 1890's began building a castle on the small island located on the northeast shores of Lac Ste. Anne, which he named Constance Island, in honor of his only daughter. The castle was to be four stories high, built of stone. The walls were to be three feet thick crowning it was to he a stone battlement running all the way around.

The castle was to be his retirement home but unfortunately he died at the age of 44 and did not complete his project. For many years, only the two stories of his dream castle remained to pique the curiosity of people stopping to picnic and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake.

Approximately twenty years later a Mr. Shorty purchased the Island. He demolished the castle and transported several cabins to Constance Island. During prohibition it was an excellent spot for parties and fun. Years later he built a causeway which provided better access to the island. Eventually the Island was sold, renamed Castle Island, subdivided, and incorporated into a Summer Village.

A rail station in 1912 also created the community of Darwell, located between Lac Ste. Anne and Isle Lake. The naming of this station caused many debates with no resolution, until an enterprising man took out his hymnbook and randomly picked a good tune. The tune had the name Darwell in it.

It also became known throughout Alberta as Hobo stop because of a ranch which never turned away anyone asking for shelter. Many a man out of work rode the rail to Darwell to get food and lodging in exchange for work. As the story goes many a man wanted by the law also found refuge and the Northwest Mounted Police spent many a trip going to the Hobo Ranch.

Today Darwell boasts a store, garage, and school. The old ranch has long disappeared, but the hospitality of this Hamlet still exists today.

People from all over the world have found a haven along their shores. Along the Southern area coal mines generate power and employment, and of course recreational businesses have flourished because of our lakes.

Every year tens of thousands of people journey to witness the healing properties of the lake and the spiritual awareness that has not been replicated anywhere else in North America. It is the largest Native gathering in North America on an annual basis.

Agriculture is still a main stay and the area is known for its ability to grow some of the best oat crops in Canada.

The "Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage" was declared a National Historic Site of Canada in 2004 for its social and cultural importance. [Cite web| url= http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/lhn-nhs/det_E.asp?oqSID=2062&oqeName=Lac+Ste%2E+Anne+Pilgrimage&oqfName=P%E8lerinage+du+lac+Ste%2E+Anne | title= Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimage National Historic Site of Canada | author= Parks Canada | authorlink= Parks Canada | year= 2005 | month= February | accssdate= 2007-03-06]

Communities

The Alexis Indian Reserve of the Alexis Nakoda Nation is located on the northern shore of the lake, and the village of Alberta Beach is located on the eastern shore.

Recreation

Two campgrounds are located around the lake, one at Alberta Beach and the other at Gunn, on the north-eastern shore.

Fishing is a popular recreational activity, species including whitefish, walleye and yellow perch.

Water based sports include sailing, water skiing and windsurfing in summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter.

References