Bringing History To Life
From a vast barren landscape occupied by only Cree First Nations, Beaver First Nations, and the herds of wild roaming Buffalo. To an influx of gold panner's chasing the dream of striking it rich during the Klondike gold rush. The history of the peace region is as vibrant and diverse as its modern day population.
With no reliable means of transportation, no clear cut roads, and temperamental weather, the settlement of our region was no easy feat. By 1901, when the rest of the country was experiencing an economic boom our region was home to 93 settlers.
Healing through Art
The instructor stood proudly next to a display case filled top to bottom with soap stone carvings. Faces and animals etched so precisely into the stone any on looker would be convinced they were done by the steady hand of a seasoned artist.
"The medium doesn't matter, it is about release. It’s about picking up a paintbrush, or chisel, it’s about being constructive instead of destructive. It's about transforming your life through art."
Cool Aid Society
Every day it was the same scene on repeat. James walked through the door, greeted the leaders and immediately went to the bookshelf. He picked up a book and plopped himself on the worn grey couch, legs curled beneath him. It was the same book every day, the pages worn thin from his tiny fingers carefully leafing through its pages. He studied the images with his eyes and hands, but the words were a jumble. James was in grade two, and he could not read.
Feeding those in need
When we hear the words poverty and hunger many of us envision the same things. We see the man with tattered clothes, and a worn blanket curled up on a street corner. Or a shoeless child, with a bloated belly, and hopeless eyes being encircled by flies in their tiny home.
While these forms of poverty are real and terrible, this is not necessarily what poverty looks like in the Peace Region.
Poverty here can take many forms.
It can be the single mom trying to make ends meet for her children, who herself goes hungry to ensure her children can eat.
The Right to Heal
She arrived in the middle of the night, escorted by an RCMP officer; her young son tightly gripping her hand. The language barrier was immense, but the fear and hopelessness in her eyes was something that transcended languages. Through the help of a translator they were able to hear her story, one that has become all too familiar to the staff of the Odyssey House. She was a woman, trapped in a volatile relationship, who needed help to break the cycle.
Since 1979, women in crisis have arrived at Odyssey house searching for support. Odyssey House and its staff are always there to greet them with a warm smile, a compassionate ear, and hope for the future. Through grants from the Community Foundation of Northwestern Alberta the Odyssey house is able to offer these women a safe environment to begin assembling a life free from abuse.
Beth Sheehan – A Pioneer of Philanthropy
There are some people who are just born with an inextinguishable desire to improve the world they live in. These people hold within them a deeply engrained belief in serving others above themselves.
Beth Sheehan was one of these rare souls.
A gifted historian and photographer, an avid volunteer, and a truly passionate philanthropist; Beth embodied the idea of doing everything with Love and kindness.
Photography and Community – A lasting legacy for Paul Pivert
For many people native to Grande Prairie, Paul Pivert is a familiar and beloved name.
Paul had a passion for both photography and community. For years, his vibrant smile and collection of cameras was seen at every major event in the area.
Paul was happiest behind a camera, capturing moments in people’s lives and our community brought him true joy.
Leaving a Green Legacy
Since 1979 the Marcotte Family have owned and operated G&M Plumbing and Heating Ltd. G&M is a household name in the area, a business that is well known for being family owned and operated, reputable, and community oriented. The Marcotte Family is proud to call Grande Prairie home, and proud of the successes and growth that the community has achieved.
John and Betty Simpson Family
For the Simpson Family, the football field was an extension of their home. With all three sons participating in the sport, there were plenty of crisp fall days spent on the sidelines, cheering on the local teams; the rush of the game outweighing the discomfort of cold noses, and frost filled air.
