History

The Beauvais area is full of colourful and rich history. This history is tied deeply to the roots of the first settlers of the area as well as with the local first nation groups.

Individuals of Note:

• Father Lacombe - Inspirational Canadian who lived with and befriended the first nation people. Without this man the dream of the cross continental railway may never have been completed.
  http://edimage.ca/edimage/grandspersonnages/en/carte_r06.html
• William Gladstone – Known as one of Alberta’s first ‘old timers’. William Gladstone worked for the Hudson Bay Company and spent many years in the west when Buffalos roamed in herds of thousands and Caucasians were the visible minority. He is credited with building many of the original buildings in what was to become Alberta. He met many important people such as Father Lacombe and had a great respect for the First Nations people. He spoke Cree, Blackfoot, French and English. Learn more about this extraordinary Canadian.
  http://folklore.library.ualberta.ca/
• Marie Rose Delorme - Smith - Marie's family built and settled on the Jughandle Range that was previously located on what is now the Beauvais Lake Provincial Park. As the first settlers of the area they had a tremendous impact on the future of the area.
  http://www.metisresourcecentre.mb.ca/bios/m_smith.htm