85-year old recalls days long past

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On August 21st of this year, Maggie Francise Calliou, will be 85 years old. With a crispness of mind she can still recall the days of long past.

Maggie was born at home on the Stony Plain Indian Reserve, better known today as the Enoch Reserve. Her father was an interpreter for this Band as well as 4 others in the area, the Alexander, Alexis, Paul and Michel Bands. As you may know Paul and Alexis Reserves are made up of Stoney Band members.

Historians will remember that "Michel" was an Iroquois Band from the east. Maggie's father knew at least three Native tongues.

Maggie's mother was a full blooded Cree from the Beaver Lake Band, however, Maggie, along with her 5 sisters and 6 brothers were all born at home on the Enoch Reserve.

Between 1916 and 1926 Maggie lived off and on in Edmonton and Enoch. At the age of 18, she worked in the well known establishment and landmark - the Macdonald Hotel, which is presently being renovated. In November of 1925 she met Robert Joseph Calliou from the Michel (Calihoo Band). That following spring Maggie and Robert were married.

Her life with Robert Joe was somewhat of a colorful one. In the fall of 1926 they took a train to Whitecourt. Here they wintered; while Robert Joe fished and trapped. In the spring. On foot, with 3 dogs, they walked to Grande Prairie, quite a distance in those days. They lived in Goodwin, near Grand Prairie, until 1939 then in June of that same year, the took their horse team and drove to Dunvegan.

At Dunvegan they boarded a large raft, called a scow, and floated down the "Mighty" Peace River to a place called Carcajoe. On July 16th they arrived at Paddle Prairie, just northwest of Carcajoe.

Along with Adolphus Ghostkeeper, a long time resident of Paddle Prairie and

a handful of other pioneers, they tilled and carved Paddle Prairie into one of the most agricultural Metis settlements of present day. Many of the old landmarks still stand

proud here.

In 1959 Robert Joe died of cancer. But not before leaving someone to tell

his stories. Out of the 4 children Robert and Maggie had, three are still living today.

Maggie lived on the Paddle Prairie Settlement until 1970, before moving to Dawson Creek, for a short period. Since 1972 she has lived in the Sutherland Nursing Home at Peace River.

So there's a look at Maggie Francise Calliou, one of our Elders who helped

build the fine province we now live in today. (Maggie was interviewed in Edmonton on July 14th, 1986. She was here to visit her family.) Maggie has 21 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.