Bishop Paul Piché

Abstract

Bishop Paul Piché was a pioneer missionary far ahead of his time who witnessed the results of his labour to educate native people. He acted on his firm belief that education was for the children and founded educational institutions and programs for the native students in Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. His love, strong conviction and confidence in his students influenced two generations of outstanding native leaders. ... In March 1959 ... he was consecrated as bishop and installed as Vicar Apostolic of Mackenzie in St. Isidore Cathedral in Fort Smith, N.W.T. ... The Northwest Territories was not recognized at the time as a diocese. His area covered more than 600 000 square miles, stretching from northern Alberta and Saskatchewan to the North Pole. During his first year of appointment as bishop, Piché worked to open Grandin College in Fort Smith. Native children were not attending high school and the government did not want to help. ... In the summer of 1964, Bishop Piché travelled all over the N.W.T. interviewing and recruiting native students to enroll in Grandin College, in Fort Smith, N.W.T. ... Grandin College was opened in the fall of 1964 with 60 boys and 14 girls. ... Academic expectations were high, .... Gradually music and band lessons, sport activities and camping trips were included in our schedule. These enabled the students to participate in activities together and develop lasting bonds of friendship. The Grandin students began to surface as those who were academically and physically talented from the outset. ... Bishop Paul Piché's knowledge of the need for love for, and attention to, children while educating them has yielded rewards that few achieve in their lifetime. He devoted his energy to create an environment that reflected his motto that education is for the children. He was a pioneer missionary far ahead of his time who was able to witness the fruits of his labour. He is respected and loved by his students and all those who know him.