Four years following a devastating fire that ravaged a 113-year-old church in Fort Chipewyan, residents in the northern Alberta community are advocating for a new communal space to commemorate significant occasions.
Elder Alice Rigney, a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, shared her personal connection to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Roman Catholic Church, where she was baptized and married, and which served as a link to her family.
Constructed in 1909, the church, situated by Lake Athabasca, was recognized as a National Historic Place in 2006. In 2020, ownership of the church was transferred from the Diocese of St. Paul to King’s Kids Promotions Outreach Ministries, a Christian charity in Fort McMurray, encompassing 49 Catholic parishes in Alberta.
The transition brought about mixed emotions in the community, according to Rigney, who expressed sorrow over the loss of the historic structure. The church, which hosted various events, tragically succumbed to flames in 2022.
In the wake of the fire, the space where the church once stood now serves as a venue for community activities organized by the Kids Promotions Outreach Ministries. Margaret Whiteknife, a local Roman Catholic committee volunteer, reminisced about the vibrant gatherings at the church before its sale, highlighting the significance of the spiritual and cultural connections fostered within its walls.
Presently, community members utilize a community hall for religious services and gatherings, but Whiteknife is spearheading efforts to establish a non-profit society to raise funds for a new Roman Catholic church that would cater to diverse community needs.
Whiteknife emphasized the inclusive nature of the proposed church, aiming to provide a space for all individuals seeking solace or prayer, irrespective of their faith background. The community’s ties to the church are multifaceted, extending beyond its architectural and historical significance due to the presence of the Holy Angels Residential School on the premises until the 1970s.
While discussions about constructing a new church have commenced, Bishop Gary Anthony Franken noted that the process is in its early stages. Practical considerations such as the logistical challenges of stationing a priest in Fort Chipewyan, including housing and financial sustainability, are key factors being deliberated.
Despite recognizing that the new church may not occupy the original site, Whiteknife stressed the importance of creating a dedicated space that embodies the community’s spirit and values.