#FABTrip15: “Starland, starbright” or “Moon’s over Michichi”

We took a wrong turn at Michichi #Alberta #Canada #FABTrip15 @gregfarries

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 12, 2015 at 3:27pm PDT

As the sun lilted lazily towards the horizon, we made our way north from the Drumheller Valley towards a small community called Michichi. With the little hand pointing to seven, we continued easterly towards the Hand Hills, and the spectacular sunset to come.

The Wilsons. A spectacular homestead along Hwy. 849 near Drumheller #Alberta #Canada #FABTrip15 @gregfarries A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 12, 2015 at 3:26pm PDT

According to the local history, the community of Michichi derives its name from the Cree word meaning “hand” or “little hand”. Located along an abandoned CNR branch line, Michichi is a once-bustling community that was buffeted by drought in the ’20s and ’30s. Although far from a ghost town, Michichi today is a shadow of its former self. #Alberta #Canada #history #FABTrip15 @gregfarries

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 12, 2015 at 3:31pm PDT

Abandoned school at Michichi, Alberta. @4gotten_alberta #fabtrip15 pic.twitter.com/QLCJKkem3R — Greg Farries (@gregfarries) August 2, 2015

Hard times. Todd’s Hardware and (former) Michichi Post Office #abandoned #Alberta #Canada #history #FABTrip15 @gregfarries

A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 12, 2015 at 3:32pm PDT

The Canadian National Railway’s Calgary to Saskatoon line, known as the Goose Lake Line, served Michichi from 1913 until 2010. Today the line is abandoned and has been mostly dismantled. #Alberta #Canada #CNR #railway #railroad #abandoned #history #FABTrip15 @gregfarries A photo posted by Jonathan Koch (@forgotten_alberta) on Aug 13, 2015 at 8:45am PDT

Sources:

Glenbow Archives – Michichi

2 Replies to “#FABTrip15: “Starland, starbright” or “Moon’s over Michichi””

Michichi: a Cree word for… “The Hand or Little Hand”

A long timer ago I came across a newspaper article about the history or the legend of the Hand Hills. I thought I cut it out and kept it but sadly I have never been able to locate it again.

What I can remember it was a tail of a of a First Nations lad, born with a deformed hand. Now if the name is Cree it may be that he was born to that Nation. The location of the Hand Hills, in Blackfoot territory should make the story Siksika.
In any case the boy grew into a man of some reputation in spite of his handicap. These Hand hills were his favorite hunting grounds and supposedly the place of his final rest.

The sad part is, I can find no other reference than my memory to this story. If any body else has heard of it or can attest to it in some way, I would be happy to know I didn’t dream the whole thing while parked at the side of the road in…the Hand Hills…

Hi Jack, thanks for the note. You have a good memory, the story you related is very similar to the version I found in Hand Hills Heritage. I have included the link here: http://www.ourroots.ca/page.aspx?id=947132&qryID=f9083e66-0a94-448d-836d-035ee4cc3a37

Jack Kunst says:

December 11, 2015 at 7:41 pm

Michichi: a Cree word for… “The Hand or Little Hand”

A long timer ago I came across a newspaper article about the history or the legend of the Hand Hills. I thought I cut it out and kept it but sadly I have never been able to locate it again.

What I can remember it was a tail of a of a First Nations lad, born with a deformed hand. Now if the name is Cree it may be that he was born to that Nation. The location of the Hand Hills, in Blackfoot territory should make the story Siksika.
In any case the boy grew into a man of some reputation in spite of his handicap. These Hand hills were his favorite hunting grounds and supposedly the place of his final rest.

The sad part is, I can find no other reference than my memory to this story. If any body else has heard of it or can attest to it in some way, I would be happy to know I didn’t dream the whole thing while parked at the side of the road in…the Hand Hills…
Jonathan Koch says:

December 15, 2015 at 8:47 am

Hi Jack, thanks for the note. You have a good memory, the story you related is very similar to the version I found in Hand Hills Heritage. I have included the link here: http://www.ourroots.ca/page.aspx?id=947132&qryID=f9083e66-0a94-448d-836d-035ee4cc3a37