Pakan, Alberta, May 26, 2012 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Brian Storseth, Member of Parliament for Westlock – St. Paul, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating Victoria District as a National Historic Site of Canada.
"In one concentrated area, Victoria District provides an exceptional example of the major phases in Prairie settlement – from the 1862 Mission to the Cree and Stoney First Nations to the fur trade era in the 1860s to the large-scale agricultural settlement in the early 20th century," said Mr. Storseth. "I'm proud of the Government of Canada's work to ensure that our shared heritage is commemorated for Canadians, today and into the future."
Victoria District is a unique cultural landscape representing the major themes in Prairie settlement, including the arrival of the missions; the establishment of the Métis river lot system; the development of the fur trade; Prairie agricultural development and the establishment of eastern European immigration at the beginning of the 20th century. Each wave occupied the land and exploited its resources in a way that reflects its unique culture and each has left its mark upon the landscape that can still be read today. The original pattern of river lots and quarter sections can still be read clearly in the landscape and are visually marked by the hedgerows, shelterbelts and fencing.
"Victoria District has managed to preserve enough of the original landscape and buildings from each period of settlement to present visible evidence of each layer of human settlement over the past 150 years," said Minister Kent. "As Canadians, we have a rich and diverse history and the Government of Canada is pleased to commemorate a site that honours that legacy."
Created in 1919, and supported by Parks Canada, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Government of Canada through the Minister of the Environment regarding the national historic significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada's history. Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that make up a rich tapestry of Canada's historical heritage and which offers visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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