Raising St. Albert: Early Childhood

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A new exhibition at the Musée Héritage Museum (inside St. Albert Place) provides opportunities for families to explore the fascinating stories of early child raising that have shaped the community over time. The old saying "it takes a village to raise a child" rings true in the history of St. Albert. Raising children across various cultures may look different at times, but in the end, parents and caregivers work toward the same goal: raising happy, healthy kids.

In Raising St. Albert: Early Childhood, created by Martin Bierens of the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert, explore fun tales of children being mischievous, and other stories of local Indigenous child-raising practices and Métis midwifery in the early decades of the St. Albert Mission.

Visitors can view a wide collection of artifacts; a training potty from the 1950’s, historical Roman Catholic Baptism and Communion clothing, a handmade crib, a carriage, Indigenous moss bags (beautiful, beaded baby carrying sacks filled with moss that act like a diaper), and cradleboards (which attach to moss bags). One of the exhibition’s highlights is on loan from a private collector, a beautiful willow cradle basket made by highly regarded cradle weavers, the late Rose and Francis Cree of North Dakota. Some of the Cree’s other creations are housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, so to have this item in this exhibition is special.

“I hope people get out of this the wide spectrum of childhood and a glimpse of what childhood in this community historically was like,” says Martin Bierens, Musée Héritage Museum Curator. “Childhood is a joyful time for many families, but children remain some of the most vulnerable members of society”, he adds.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, child mortality posed a constant threat. St. Albert also holds significant history in Canada’s Residential School legacy, housing two former Indian Residential Schools. Visitors to the exhibition will have opportunities to reflect on the painful realities of early childhood within the community.

A special opening reception is planned for August 16 at 3 pm with refreshments, activities for kids, and Bierens will share more stories not featured in the exhibition. Everyone is welcome to this free event.

Raising St. Albert, Early Childhood, runs from August 14 – November 15 at the museum (inside St. Albert Place) with FREE entry.