At a community summer gathering of the Canadian Province in 1971, Provincial Leader Sister Rita Ryan informed the sisters about a trip she and Sister Jean Hartleib, provincial councillor, had made to Aroland in northern Ontario, an Indigenous community of approximately six hundred people. The pastor, Father Alec Roland, S.J., had asked for sisters to support his ministry. Father Roland was a seasoned missionary who served communities in northern Ontario for 40 years. Sister Rita asked for volunteers for this new mission. Sister Janet Disbrowe decided to answer the call.
That evening I wrote a letter expressing my interest.
In August 1971, three of us went by train to visit Father Roland and determine what was needed to set up house. In September, Sisters Pauline Girodat, Adelaide Folick and myself returned to Aroland with all of our supplies. Our small house was brought in from the lumber camp. Cleaning, painting, and wall papering occupied much of our time during the first weeks. We had a wringer washing machine. Rinsing was done in the bathtub then hung on the clothes lines to dry.
Our primary mission was to get acquainted with the residents and learn how we could support Father Roland and his parish, St. Rene Goupil. Initially, we spent time walking around the community and meeting the people to learn more about their culture and customs. The children were particularly curious about us and wondered if we were going to stay during the winter.
After a few months, some parents asked if we could start a Kindergarten. Sister Pauline took up the challenge of setting up a Kindergarten in the church. The church building was a reconstructed lumber camp mess hall with wooden benches. A wood stove provided heat. The children used the benches as desks. At the beginning of the next school year, the School Board provided a room in the grade school for the Kindergarten class. Sister Adelaide introduced a scripture study group. Also, she helped the parishioners prepare Ojibway hymns for Mass.
Our home was a drop-in centre. In the daytime pre-schoolers would come to play, read books or chat. Adults would also drop in to discuss their problems or simply talk. In the evenings, children and youth would come to play games and socialize.
Life in Aroland was fairly simple in the 1970s.The residents had recently moved from the bush to set up community. Approximately six men worked for the Pulp and Paper Company. Many others fished, hunted and trapped. This was how they provided for the community.
Often, I accompanied Father Roland, taking Holy Communion to people unable to leave their homes and comforting the sick or having a social visit. At times we traveled to the bush camps, since the trappers lived there during the hunting season. At Christmas time the residents would gather cedar boughs from the bush and hang the branches over the rafters in church. This was an important ritual.
We did have fun times, including boat rides on the river. In winter, Father Roland would fasten a toboggan to his skidoo. On the toboggan we traveled on trails through the bush to his cabin. Here, he would make tea on an outdoor fire. Then we would return home on the trails, enjoying the beauty of nature in winter.
My eight years in Aroland were adventurous and fulfilling. I loved the simplicity and honesty of the people.
To learn more about the work of SSNDs in Aroland and other First Nations communities, click here.
