| St. Paul is proud of its cultural heritage and welcomes
visitors to get a feel for it by visiting four special monuments
created by local artist Herman Poulin, each with their own
special meaning. |
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| The first commemorates the centenary of the arrival of the
Ukranian settlers in Canada and is located
at the east end of Lagasse Park. A man sowing grain is linked
by a dome, representing faith, to a woman holding a child.
Both are looking to the ground for the sustenance they are
confident it will provide. From one side the lake is visible
through the arches representing the ocean settlers had to
cross. From the other side the arche becomes a door opening
up to the wonders of the new country. The monument is made
of white concrete in order to depict the sincerity of the
pioneers who came to Canada. |
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| The second is located on the west end of Lagasse Park and
was unveiled to commemorate the 100th year of St-Paul-des-Métis
in 1996. The concept was to unite on one central
axis and an equal basis, three distinct groups of visionary
people, who were to establish the vibrant community of Saint-Paul-des-Métis.
Each distinct group is depicted on a single panel and represented
by visual symbols that enables us to understand and interpret
the fullness of their lives. Put together, all three panels
depict one single community. Panels represent the Métis
Nation, the Religious Order and the Pioneers. |
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| The third is located on main street adjacent to Post Office.
The 'Sacred Manner' statue is an aboriginal elder
making an offering to the Creator, to enhance and visually
bring to mind a permanent reminder of our great dependence
on God and our mutual dependence with fellow man. It was erected
to encourage a more human relationship with our Creator and
all the people with whom we live and associate with in our
daily lives. A universal prayer by Mary Summer Rain is inscribed
on the back which symbolizes the whole meaning of life. |
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| The fourth can be found in the cemetary of Alberta's only
Irish settlement, St. Brides, 17 kms west of St. Paul. The
Celtic Cross was erected as a symbol of the lives
of the people who originally settled in the Irish community
in 1927. It is a visual representation of their faith, traditions,
hardships and joys. |
