1/14 - Today on 🍁 #CanadaLivesHere, we’re heading to Hairy Hill, Alberta—a tiny hamlet with a big history, located 102 km east of Edmonton. Its unique name, rich Indigenous roots, and connection to bison make it a fascinating stop on the map.

Let’s explore! 👇

2/14 - Why “Hairy Hill”?

In the early 1900s, settlers found large mats of bison hair covering the hill. Each spring, bison would shed their winter coats by rubbing against the ground here. The name stuck, and the legend of Hairy Hill began! 🦬

3/14 - The First Peoples

Long before settlers, Hairy Hill was part of the traditional territory of proud Indigenous groups like the Cree and Blackfoot. This area was a key spot for bison hunting, with rich grasslands and a mix of plains and parkland providing food and shelter. They wouldn’t have been surprised to see clumps of bison hair here as they would’ve followed the herd for centuries.

4/14 - Tragic Changes

The arrival of settlers brought devastating impacts. Smallpox swept through the region in the 1870s, decimating Indigenous populations. Many Indigenous groups, including the Salteaux, were displaced after the failed Riel Rebellion of 1885, making way for settlement.

5/14 - Soda Lake to Hairy Hill

Before Hairy Hill, nearby Soda Lake was the hub. Settlers moved to Hairy Hill when the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived in 1928. Soda Lake, known for its high soda content, is now dry but remains a designated historical site.

6/14 -Boom and Bust

In the 1940s, Hairy Hill was thriving. It had grain elevators, a school, shops, and even a curling rink. The population peaked at 250 in 1948. But like many rural towns, it declined over the decades, becoming a hamlet by 1996.

7/14 - Romanian Roots

Hairy Hill’s Romanian settlers built Saint Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church, one of the oldest in Alberta. Designated a historic site, it holds two services a year, keeping this piece of heritage alive.

8/14 - Honoring the Bison

Today, a bison statue near the post office pays tribute to Hairy Hill’s namesake and its connection to these majestic animals. A plaque tells the story of the hill and the bison herds that once roamed here.

9/14 - Hairy Hill Rodeo

Every summer, the Hairy Hill Rodeo brings the community together with horse racing, pony rides, and evening dances. It’s a reminder of the vibrant spirit that keeps this small hamlet alive. 🤠

10/14 - A Modern Twist

Hairy Hill is home to Canada’s first Integrated BioRefinery, a carbon-neutral plant producing biofuels and green power. It’s a small community making a big impact in sustainable energy. 🌱

11/14 - A Haunting Tale

Hairy Hill inspired the 2023 animated short film Return to Hairy Hill, based on the true story of a family living here in the 1940s. The film captures the beauty and isolation of prairie life. 🎥

12/14 - Visit Hairy Hill

From its fascinating history to its rodeo and Romanian heritage, Hairy Hill is more than a quirky name. It’s a place of resilience, culture, and connection to Alberta’s past.

#CanadaLivesHere

13/14 - Do you have history with Hairy Hill?

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14/14 - Thanks for reading.

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Have a rad rest of your day, eh!