File 2001.1.082 - Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) research materials

Title and statement of responsibility area

Title proper

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) research materials

General material designation

Textual record

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File

Repository

Northern BC Archives & Special Collections

Reference code

2001.1.082

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Edition statement of responsibility

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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)

Dates of creation area

Date(s)

2011 (Creation)

Physical description area

Physical description

0.5 cm of textual records

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Archival description area

Custodial history

Formerly stored in NBCA subject vertical files. Provenance unknown.

Scope and content

This file consists of copies of two manuscript items relating to the history of the Oblates in Northern British Columbia; the third item is a copy of the transcription and translation of one of these accounts. Includes:

A copy of a type-written unpublished account possibly written c. 1922 entitled "Indian Schools of Fort St. James and Fraser Lake, B.C." The account is written by Father Elphage Allard, OMI on the founding of the residential school at Fort St. James and later of the building of the residential school at Lejac, near Fraser Lake, BC. Allard refers to his, and his younger siblings', also named Father Allard, involvement in the building of the residential schools at Fort St. James in 1916-1917 and subsequently at Fraser Lake ca. 1920-1922. Father Allard provides a detailed account of daily life and spiritual work conducted by the Oblates at the schools including daily routines of the First Nations students, dormitory life, educational curriculum, religious education, and arrival of a group of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus Congregation to assist at the school. The account provides descriptions of the 1918 flu epidemic and deaths that occurred among communities at Fort St. James, Pinchi, Tachi, Fraser Lake and Lake Porteur; involvement of the Anglo-Europeans in the construction of the schools; and interactions with the Chinese cook and Indian Agent in the communities. The manuscript also provides brief account of Allard's journey to provide religious services to other First Nations communities including Fort Graham, McLeod Lake, Atlin and Whitehorse. Both Father Allards were subsequently dismissed from involvement in the Fraser Lake School in 1922.
A copy of a handwritten account by Father Jean-Marie Lejeune entitled "Comment la Sténographie a été introduite dez les sauvages" written by Lejeune at the Indian Missionary, Kamloops, B.C. c.1890-93 in which he describes his introduction of the shorthand in British Columbia to First Nations in the Kamloops region and the subsequent publication of the newsletter entitled Kamloops Wawa.
A transcription and translation of Father Lejeune's account by William Poser with annotations.

Notes area

Physical condition

Immediate source of acquisition

Arrangement

Language of material

English

Script of material

Language and script note

Historical language note: Indigenous peoples are referred to in these manuscripts as "Indians", "sauvages" [French], and other derogatory references. In Canada, while the terms “Indian" still remains a legal designation articulated via the “Indian Act,” it is generally considered offensive when used by non-Indigenous peoples. As well, the application of such pan-Indigenous terminology continues to marginalize and nullify the diversity of Indigenous cultures, governance and knowledge systems which exist across the American continents. Whenever possible, Northern BC Archives staff will include the name of the individual and/or Nation of the Indigenous person/community represented in the archival documentation. When not possible, the term First Nations, Inuit or Métis will be applied as appropriate and efforts to create more accurate descriptions will continue. Please see our Statement on Language in Archival Descriptions for more information on how the Northern BC Archives is working to address harmful language use within the archival and historical record.

Location of originals

The original manuscripts are held at the Archives Deschâtelets in Ottawa.

Availability of other formats

Low-resolution digital reproduction of manuscripts available in PDF format.

Restrictions on access

No restrictions.

Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication

Personal or academic use of materials is welcomed under the standard fair dealing and educational use clauses of Canadian Copyright Law. Commercial use is, however, forbidden without the express permission of the copyright holder. For information on obtaining written permission from the copyright holder, please contact the Northern B.C. Archives and Special Collections.