Métis government calls on Alberta town to restore historic name

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is calling on a town in eastern Alberta to consider restoring its former name, a move it says would help recognize its Métis history. The town of St. Paul, which is perhaps best known for its UFO landing pad attraction, was originally named St. Paul des Métis. It was initially established as a Métis settlement by the federal government at the turn of the 20th century and had approximately 80 families living there at its height. “That story has never been forgotten,” said Grant Lacombe, Otipemisiwak’s secretary of culture and harvesting, who is leading the charge to restore the town’s name. “We have a voice that needs to be heard,” he said. Initially intended as a Métis agricultural settlement, the federal government and the Catholic Church eventually considered the settlement a failure, in part because the Métis continued their traditional way of life. The settlement was later opened to homesteaders in 1909, displacing many Métis families. The town formally dropped “des Métis” from its name in 1936. “The settlers came in and pushed the Métis out,” Lacombe said. “There’s 113 years there that we sat in the background, and you know, that’s hurtful.” Lacombe said he has familial ties to the original settlement through his great-great-grandparents. “I’m from St. Paul. My history is from St. Paul,” he said. “It does bother me that ‘des Métis’ was dropped. It shows we’re not there anymore – and we’ve never left.” Current day town of St. Paul, Alta. Photo: file He noted his request has received overwhelming support from Otipemisiwak, which says it represents 80,000 Métis across Alberta. Lacombe said that support led him to write to the town in May asking it to consider changing its name. But according to him, the town hasn’t responded to his request. He said the May letter was presented to council and accepted as information, and follow-up letters have gone unanswered. Lacombe said while he’s disappointed with the lack of response, he’s hopeful both sides can work together to honour St. Paul’s Métis heritage. “Personally, it would give me a sense of belonging, you know, for our ancestors to feel that, and the other root families,” he said. “It’s ensuring we’re progressing in a good way.” Steven Jeffery, St. Paul’s CAO, said in an email statement that at the time the May letter was presented to council the town’s administration was not directed to follow up with the organization. He also said neither he nor council was aware of any follow-up letters. The statement adds the town “would absolutely be open” to meeting with representatives of Otipemisiwak to learn more about its request. “The Town of St. Paul prides itself on being an inclusive community and we would like to learn more about the Nations plans so that we can work together toward a common goal,” he said. Continue Reading