
Beginning around 1916, later than in regions further south, settlers began arriving by water and along the rutted trails. Many fished, trapped, hunted, farmed and learned how to live in this northern climate, aided in many cases by the First Peoples already here, who knew the land and how to thrive in it.
While gathering information about the people and events of note as settlers took root in and around Calling Lake, we are inspired by other work that touches on our region. The book Reflections From Across the River, a history of settlement just north of Athabasca, offers a glimpse of the stories we can gather. Many of those stories intersect with the history of our community. Click on the cover image to open or check out the Library for a summary of the book as it connects to Calling Lake.
The book Reflections from Across the River focuses on the triangle cradled in the bend of the Athabasca River, north of the town of Athabasca. Tomato Creek and Calling River are included due to their many connections to this area.
Topics on tap for this suite of rooms include the following. If you have any memories, photographs or artifacts to contribute, please contact the history committee.
Family stories
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Key events
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Memorable characters
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Settlement timeline
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Land Acknowledgement
Recognizing that we are all Treaty people, equally responsible to know our shared history and journey forward in good faith, we acknowledge with respect that Calling Lake stands on land, and alongside water, where Indigenous peoples have gathered, hunted, fished and held ceremonies from time immemorial. Knowing that J.B. Gambler Indian Reserve #183 is part of Bigstone Cree Nation within Treaty 8 Territory, and that we are within Métis Nation of Alberta District 22, we wish to understand the spirit and intent of promises made so that we can take action to create a just and caring future built on truth and reconciliation.