L’Ange-Gardien, Roots to discover

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The present day municipality of L’Ange-Gardien was officially founded in 1980. Its territory, which is mostly rural in nature, is split right down the middle by the Du Lièvre River. This waterway, known as the “Basse-Lièvre”, has been used as a port of entry since the dawn of time . This river, for which we share a common sense of belonging, was used by all those who lived off the resources of this vast hinterland.
 

Quite a few inhabitants of L’Ange-Gardien claim to be descendants of those early pioneers who left their mark on the history of the Lower Lièvre and who have shaped it’s territory. This is the case for the first inhabitants of the Valley, the “Algoumequins” of the “Petite Nation” who Champlain met in 1613, the fur traders in the 18th and 19th centuries, the lumberjacks in the 19th and 20th centuries, the pioneers who cleared the land up river to supply the lumber shanties, and the miners who dug into the mountain slopes to extract phosphate, mica, graphite and feldspar. With their hard work and their unswerving sacrifices, they built a home of solidarity for generations to come, which came to be known as the “Basse-Lièvre”.

 

Cultural Action, Quiet! We're Rolling, 2018, par Denis Marceau

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This sculpture, which embodies a documentary film, is a tribute to the history of L’Ange-Gardien. Set within
an artistic scenario, it tells the story of the village’s journey. It depicts a large wave followed by a whirlpool,
mimicking water and symbolizing the Du Lièvre River. Given the use of film rolls in its conception, we can follow the evolution of the region through images. The piece is designed using steel blades. The base is made using a mound of natural stones, reminding us of the mountainous landscape and the mining that was part of L’Ange-Gardien’s history.
 

Denis Marceau has lived in L’Ange-Gardien for more than 20 years. He is a visual designer, painter and sculptor, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Quebec in Hull (1982).

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