Oblate presence: 1977- Location: James Bay
Visits to Central Patricia, Lansdowne, Fort Hope, Ogoki and Lake Winisk
The pastoral task of the Oblates in Central Patricia is delicate and difficult. They must serve an Amerindian and a white population. The indigenous population is underdeveloped and dispersed. The white population is unstable due to fluctuations in the mining operations. Developments are conditioned by the international market situation and the agreements to be made with the Amerindians by their associations, namely Treaties No. 9 and No. 3. The Oblate church and residence are located in Central Patricia, that is, in the white area.
The visit of the Lansdowne mission took place from January 30 to February 1, 1978. This marked the end of the first complete visit of the mission posts (Fort Hope, Ogoki and Lake Winisk in addition to the other locations) and of the Oblate personnel of the Diocese of Moosonee since this part of the Province of St. Francis Xavier was attached to the St. Joseph Province on August 1, 1977.
Eugène Lapointe OMI
