Four years after a fire 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 of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation shared her deep personal connection to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Roman Catholic Church, where she was baptized and married, and where she felt a profound bond with her family even after her mother’s passing.
Established in 1909 on the shores of Lake Athabasca, the church was recognized as a National Historic Place in 2006. In 2020, the Diocese of St. Paul transferred ownership of the church to King’s Kids Promotions Outreach Ministries, a Christian charity based in Fort McMurray, causing a sense of loss within the community.
Due to the absence of a resident priest, services and events were conducted with the assistance of clergy from Fort McMurray until the church was tragically destroyed in a fire in 2022. The destruction of the church, known for its historical significance and unique fish oil paintings, was deeply felt by the community.
Following the incident, the former church site has been utilized by King’s Kids Promotions Outreach Ministries for children’s camps and community activities. Efforts were made to raise funds for the restoration of the historic building before its sale, as it held sentimental value for many community members, being a place where elders would gather to sing in Dene and Cree languages.
Now, community members gather at a local hall for religious services and funerals, but there is a growing desire for a new church that can serve as a central gathering place. Plans are underway to establish a non-profit society to raise funds for a new Roman Catholic church with multipurpose rooms for various community functions, with inclusivity being a key focus.
Despite the complicated history of the church site, including its association with the Holy Angels Residential School, community members are determined to create a new space that reflects their values and serves as a place of unity. Preliminary discussions have been initiated by Bishop Gary Anthony Franken to explore the feasibility of constructing a new church in Fort Chipewyan, considering the logistical challenges of staffing a priest in the remote community.
While the path forward may have obstacles, including the need for suitable housing and financial support, the community remains committed to the vision of a new church that will symbolize resilience and belonging for all its members.