Description:

Big Lakes County published a book featuring the stories of 50 County residents called, In Our Own Words, Hard Times and Good Times in Northern Alberta’s Big Lakes County. On December 3rd and 4th, the County hosted three book launches and signings at Pleasantview Lodge, the High Prairie Municipal Library, and the Kinuso Municipal Libary.

“In Our Own Words captures the diverse people and history of Big Lakes County. These memories represent the hard times and good times in the lives of those living here, from the Depression years of the 1930s to today. Many readers will recognize echoes of their own family stories. Others will glance through an open door into the past when Big Lakes County was bushland, and travel was by horse and wagon. This book is the story of hard-working individuals and families, and honours them all,” states Reeve Richard Simard.

The oral history project began in 2011 when the County received a grant from the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation’s Heritage Preservation Partnership Program to start recording the stories of community elders. In 2012, the County received another grant from the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation to complete phase 2 of the project, which involved gathering more stories. With the help of Constance Brissenden, Editor and Publication Coordinator, and financial support provided by the Alberta Lottery Fund and Alberta Historical Resources Foundation, the County published the book in the Fall of 2019.

Special thank you to Constance Brissenden and Pat Olanksy Interviewer and Coordinator. Thank you to Pleasantview Lodge, High Prairie Municipal Library, and the Kinuso Municipal Library for hosting the book launch and signings. Copies are available for $10 at the County Administration Offices in High Prairie and Kinuso.