Albert Lacombe (1827-1916) O. M. I. National Historic Person
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada is reviewing designated national historic persons, events and sites for their connection to the history and legacy of the residential school system. This review responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79, which calls on the federal government to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools.
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Albert Lacombe was designated as a national historic person in 1969.
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada reviewed this designation in 2024.
Reasons for designation
For over 60 years, beginning in 1852, Oblate priest Father Albert Lacombe sought to convert Indigenous Peoples in western Canada to Christianity and ministered to diverse communities in the west. With the help of Métis and nêhiyawak (Cree) Peoples, he also founded several missions and colonies, including St. Paul-de-Cris and St. Albert. An accomplished linguist who learned from Métis and First Nations teachers, Lacombe was involved in the writing of a nêhiyawêwin (Cree) dictionary and translated religious texts to further the Christianization of First Nations in the region.
Assisted by Métis and First Nations in his work as a travelling missionary (mission ambulante), Lacombe built strong ties, living with Métis, nêhiyawak (Cree) and Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) peoples. He earned First Nations titles of respect and served as a liaison between government and First Nations leaders during the negotiations of Treaty No. 8 and during railway discussions.
With direction received from Bishop Vital Grandin of St. Albert and others, Lacombe frequently advised the federal government on issues related to Catholic mission work in the Northwest, including on Nicholas Flood Davin’s “Report on Industrial Schools for Indians and Half-Breeds.” Lacombe was the first principal of St. Joseph's/Dunbow/High River Industrial School in present-day High River from 1884-85. While he had limited involvement in running the school, he did advocate for the separation of children from their families, the suppression of Indigenous languages, and coercive measures to force the obedience and attendance of children.
Review of designation
Reviews are undertaken on an ongoing basis to ensure that designations reflect current scholarship, shifts in historical understandings, and a range of voices, perspectives and experiences in Canadian society.
In 2024, this designation was reviewed due to colonial assumptions and outdated terminology in the commemorative plaque text. The original text, approved in 1975, highlighted Lacombe’s life as a missionary priest in the West. The original text did not reference the important assistance of Métis and First Nations in his work as missionary. It also did not reference his involvement in the establishment and administration of Indian Residential Schools.
New reasons for designation were developed that include mention of the help of First Nations and Métis Peoples in Lacombe’s founding of missions and colonies, as well as their part in teaching Lacombe nêhiyawêwin (Cree). The new reasons for designation also include Lacombe’s role in advising the federal government on issues related to Catholic mission work, and that he was the first principal at one of the Indian Industrial Schools in the Northwest. The original plaque will be removed, and a new plaque will be prepared as time and resources permit.
Source: Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, Minutes, December 2023.
The National Program of Historical Commemoration relies on the participation of Canadians in the identification of places, events and persons of national historic significance. Any member of the public can nominate a topic for consideration by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
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