Old Mission House

Originally, Mission Houses in Canada were buildings at the center of a religious mission, typically intended to provide services and education to Indigenous populations with the goal of diminishing their First Nations identity and assimilating them into Settler-Canadian society. This Old Mission House was very much the same.

Built in 1869 by the New England Company, Curve Lake First Nation or “Mud Lake Band” at the time, purchased the Old Mission House in 1900. The Old Mission House was a source of economic revenue for the reserve as it would be rented out to administrative visitors such as Indian Agents or teachers.

Additionally, The Old Mission Farm, situated on 100 acres, was divided in to 5 acre lots and granted to returning veteran soldiers after WW1 as reparations for their sacrifice and service.

Despite being a form of financial revenue for the community, many Elders and parents remained wary of the Old Mission House, and those who may be renting the building. Children and youth were often taught to be fearful and warned to stay away from the Old Mission House due to assimilative practices.