Marieval (Cowesses) Residential School, Saskatchewan

In 1898, surrounded by five reservations, Marieval Residential School was established near

Crooked Lake and dedicated to the Holy Heart of Mary. The school was built by oblate priests,

among others, Eugène Gauthier. In 1897, the Sisters of Our Lady of Missions of Lyon arrived and

took up teaching at the residential school. The first group of students was made up of 9 children.

The Sisters of Our Lady of Missions stayed until 1900, at which point they were replaced by the

Sisters of Saint-Joseph of Saint-Hyacinthe.

Between 1847 and 1885, Father Jules Decorby was already visiting the region, though only

intermittently. Then, in 1885, Father Pagé replaced him as Marieval’s missionary. In 1886, the

region got a day school, run by Mr. Dennehey, a layperson. This school stayed open until 1897.

In that year, construction of a new residential school was started, which finished in 1898,

according to the design of Father Magnan from Lebret. The Oblates provided the school’s

principals and the Sisters of Our Lady of Lyon did the teaching. In 1899, the government

subsidized the housing of 20 children, increasing the number to 40 children in 1901.

In 1962, 139 boarders were attending the school: 68 boys and 71 girls. An additional 68 day

pupils brought the total number of students up to 207.

The school’s principals were the Oblates Agapit Pagé (1885-1888), Théophile Campeau (1897-

1900), Siméon Perreault (1900-1912), Jean-Baptiste Beys (1912-1918), Gustave Fafard (1918-

1920), Joseph Carrière (1920-1933), Placide Châtelain (1933-1938), Vincent de Varennes

(1938-1944), Jean Lemire (1944-1952), Royal Carrière (1952-1961), Gaston Gélinas (1961-

1964), Gérard Nogue (1964-1971) and Adéodat Ruest (until March 1972).

Marieval Residential School was put under lay management in 1972.

Photographs

Marieval – Aerial View

Aerial photograph of part of Marieval, Saskatchewan. The cemetery is clearly visible. In the

background, Crooked Lake can be seen.

Fonds Oblats de Marie Immaculée Province oblate du Manitoba / Délégation SHSB 24652

PDF Documents

Indian Record 1938-July

Indian Record, July-August 1938

This article recounts the construction of a chapel. The 3rd grade girls announce the taming of a

rabbit, called Bunny, which they took care of until its death. On the 24th of May, there was a

softball game, followed by a picnic.

Indian Record, July-August, 1938

Indian Record 1938-October

Indian Record, October 1938

Louis Lavallée, a 5th grade student, writes that the school won 21 prizes at the Regina Provincial

Exposition and 22 at the one in Prince Albert. An airplane came from Moosejaw and landed

behind the school

The religious club “Ladies of the Alter” also shares news and a missionary voyage is discussed.

Indian Record 1938-December

Indian Record, November-December 1938

In this issue, six students have contributed short articles. Lucy Belanger, 4th grade, writes about

the September 19th potato harvest; Joe Vincent Lavallée, 4th grade, about the boys’ work; Ethel

May Rainville, 4th grade, about the sale of cows; Flora Lavallée, 5th grade, about the concert

given for the principal’s party; Patricia Sparvier, 7th grade, about the Thanksgiving celebration

and activities at Shram's Beach; and Evelyn Delorme, 7th grade, about visitors that came for the

principal’s party. Updates on the October 16th retreat are also given.

Indian Record, November-December 1938, p.4

Indian Record 1939-January

Indian Record, January 1939

Five students contribute news: Wesly Delorme, 4th grade, writes about the games on the 1st of

November; Loraine Delorne, 4th grade, writes about the weather; Ernest Still, 5th grade,

mentions how in October a merry-go-round had been built in the schoolyard by Mr. Schmidt and

that the skating rink was working well; Flora Lavallée and Patricia Sparvier, 7th grade, write

about the St Catherine’s day festivities.

It can also be read that a farewell party was given to mark the principal’s departure.

Indian Record, January 1939, p.4

Indian Record 1939-February

Indian Record, February 1939

Contributions from five students can be read: hockey news from George Redwood and George

Agecoutay; Loraine Delorme writes about Midnight Mass; Robert Redwood describes Christmas

Eve activities; and Marjorie Delorme writes about Christmas Day.

Details of the Christmas holiday are also given.

Indian Record, February 1939, p.4-5

Indian Record 1939-May

Indian Record, May 1939

In this issue, more than a page of news tells of school activities. Alma Acoose, president of the

Crusaders of Mary, gives an account of the activities of February 17th, Oblate Day and Crusader’s

Day. News from Ethel-May Rainville follows. Finally, news of school activities, the Young People's

Athletic Club, and school sports can be read.

Indian Record, May 1939, p.7-8

Indian Record 1939-October

Indian Record, October 1939

A group of students tell readers about vacation activities and the return to class. The school also

received a visit from Mary Bosanguet who shared stories about her adventures.

Indian Record, October 1939

Indian Record 1939-November

Indian Record, November 1939

One hundred students attended the school in 1939-1940. In this issue, Alma Acoose and Flora

Lavallée recount their trip to Lebret. In addition, Agathe Redwood writes about the concert put

on for the principal.

Indian Record, November 1939, p.3

Indian Record 1940 February

Indian Record 1940-February

The deaths of Lorenzo Trottier’s wife and Mrs. Smoker are announced. In the school news

section, an account of Father de Varennes’s trip to his fathers’ bedside is given. Readers are also

told of students’ visits to their family, Leona Rainville’s two crushed fingers and a candy auction

held to reward students with high marks.

Indian Record February, 1940 p.3-4

Indian Record 1940-March

Indian Record 1940 March

A short account of activities is given: on February 5th, the Crusaders’ activities; on February 11th,

a tea party organized for Henriette Lavallée’s friends; on Valentine’s day, a surprise; on February

17th, a hockey game played against the Grayson team, who won 12-8. In addition, news about

cooking lessons, the teaching of Gregorian chant and sewing is shared. Finally, it can be read

that the school had recently received a new electric generator from Great Britain.

Indian Record March, 1940 p. 2-3

Indian Record 1940-May

Indian Record 1940 May

This article gives news of visitors to the school, the arrival of a loom, an outing on Easter

Monday, a visit to Grayson by the Crusaders, and music lessons.

Indian Record, 1940, May p. 2-3

Indian Record 1940-September

Indian Record 1940 September

Eddie Bruyere shares news about the reservation, including Alexandre Mason’s house catching

fire on May 22nd, the Easter celebrations of March 24th, the Knights of the Reserve’s trip to

Kenora on April 14th, the bingo the Ladies of Ste. Anne organized for the 28th of April and the

deaths of Rosie Morisseau and Louise Morisseau (wife of Casimir Adams).

Indian Record 1940, September p.5

Indian Record 1940-October

Indian Record October 1940

School news including a description of the changes taking place in maintenance, supper on

September 22nd, holiday activities on September 25th, and the potato harvest on September 26th.

The student body consisted of 3 boys and 9 girls in 6th grade, 6 girls in 5th grade, 9 boys and 7

girls in 4th grade, and 7 boys and 5 girls in 3rd grade.

Indian Record October 1940 p.5

Indian Record 1941-March

Indian Record 1941 March

February and January’s main events are the subject of this article. On January 4th, a tea party

was given as a reward for the singers at Midnight Mass and the death of Mrs. Andrew Lavallée is

also announced. In addition, the work of Ethel May Rainville was praised. On the 7th of February,

a visit to Goose Lake and picnic there is described. A surprise prepared for Valentine’s Day is

mentioned. On February 17th, a concert was held to celebrate Oblate Day. From February 21st to

23rd, the Forty-Hours’ Devotion was observed and following that the Holy Tuesday activities are

described.

Indian Record March, 1940

Indian Record 1941-June

Indian Record 1941 June

This article informs readers of March, April, and May’s main events. On March 10th, a snow-plane

was received as a gift. On March 23rd, the school’s oldest pupil, Ethel Rainville, left school. M. F.

L. Blanch spent the week of March 24th at the school. On the 28th of March, the dentist paid the

school a two-day visit. April 1st saw the funerals of Joe Lerat and Charles Delorme. Easter was on

April 13th. On April 23rd, the advanced classes were allowed to listen to a special program

broadcasted on the radio. On May 5th, the Archbishop came to confirm 47 students at the school.

On May 12th, two students had to go to the hospital: Teresa Kay (appendicitis) and Dorothy

Peletier. On May 19th, the principal returned from a five-week absence. He had gone to see his

dying mother.

Indian Record June 1941 p.2

Indian Record 1941-November

Indian Record November 1941

A short announcement of the party in honour of the departure of principal Father Vincent de

Varennes.

Indian Record November 1941 p.2

Indian Record 1943-January

Indian Record 1943 January

This article describes Christmas vacation and the return of the students who had left: Mrs.

Clifford Lerat and Misses Emma Redwood, Lilly Sangwais, Emma Penny, Thérèse Lerat,

Veronique Agecoutay, Theresa Redwood, Viviane Trottier, Antoinette Lavalley, Yvonne Pelletier

and Rose-Mary Delorme.

Indian Record January 1943 p.3 et 6

Indian Record 1943-March

Indian Record 1943 March

News concerning the departure of Sister Saint Janvier, who was very appreciated by the school.

Indian Record March 1943 p.3

Indian Record 1943-May

Indian Record 1943 May

News about Cowesses Co-op and the work of Mrs. Gabriel Leost is shared. Rosalene Delorme,

Lorenzo Trottier and shoe repairer Andrew Flamand also feature. The article also mentions how

Father Lafleur had come to shoot a couple of scenes at the school for a film he was producing.

Indian Record May 1943 p.3

Bringing Home the Bacon

Bringing Home the Bacon, a text written at the request of Old Man Two Voices

Fonds Oblats de Marie-Immaculée Province oblate du Manitoba / Délégation L1021-M27R-57

Bringing Home the Bacon, a text written at the request of Old Man Two Voices.

Maps

Marieval Land Registry

Fonds Oblats de Marie-Immaculée Province oblate du Manitoba / Délégation L1021-M27R-49

Marieval Land Registry, 19 05 West.

Map of Cowesses Reservation

Fonds Oblats de Marie-Immaculée Province du Manitoba / Délégation

Map of Cowesses Reservation

Map of Cowesses and Kakeewistahaw Reservations

Fonds Oblats de Marie-Immaculée Province oblate du Manitoba / Délégation L1021-M27R-48

Map of Cowesses and Kakeewistahaw Reservations

Digitized Documents

Petition for a Parish

Fonds Oblats de Marie-Immaculée - Province du Manitoba/Délégation L1021M27L64

A petition for a separate parish for First Nations people. This request was accompanied by the

signatures in the next document.

Signatures on the Petition

Fonds Oblats de Marie-Immaculée - Province oblate du Manitoba/Délégation L1021M27L64B

Signatures on the request for a separate parish.