Samson Beaver facts for kids

Samson Beaver, Leah, and a daughter

Samson Beaver was an important guide and explorer from the Stoney First Nation in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. He helped mapmakers and explorers find their way through the rugged mountain terrain in the early 1900s. His knowledge of the land was key to discovering places like Maligne Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Jasper National Park.

Who Was Samson Beaver?

Samson Beaver was the son of Job Beaver, who was also a famous guide and trail blazer in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Both Samson and his father were part of the Stoney First Nation, an Indigenous group with deep roots in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Job Beaver's important work in exploring the Rockies is still remembered today, with places like Job Pass and Job Creek named after him.

Samson's Early Life and Discoveries

When Samson was just fourteen years old, he went on a trip with his father to a special lake. They called this lake Chaba Imne, which means "Beaver Lake." This trip was very important because Samson would later help others find this same hidden lake.

How Samson Helped Find Maligne Lake

Many years later, in 1907, Samson met a woman named Mary Schäffer. She was an explorer who had been trying to find a large, secret lake hidden high in the mountains between Lake Louise and Jasper. Mary Schäffer had not been able to find the lake on her own.

The Map to Chaba Imne

Samson Beaver knew exactly where this lake was. He drew a map for Mary Schäffer, showing her the way to Chaba Imne. This map was very helpful! The next year, in 1908, Mary Schäffer returned to the mountains with her friend Mary Adams and two guides, Sid Unwin and Billy Warren.

Exploring the Lake

Using the map Samson had given them, they successfully found the lake. They explored it by building a raft, which they proudly named HMS Chaba. Today, this beautiful lake is known as Maligne Lake, and it's a popular spot for visitors from all over the world.

Samson's Legacy in the Mountains

Samson Beaver's contributions to exploring the Rocky Mountains are still honored today.

Mountains Named After Samson and Leah

There is a mountain called Samson Peak in the Maligne Lake Valley. You can see it clearly from Maligne Lake itself. This peak was named after Samson Beaver. Nearby, another mountain called Leah Peak was named after his wife, Leah Beaver. Mary Schäffer named these peaks to show her respect and gratitude for Samson and Leah's help in her exploration and mapping work in the Rocky Mountains.

A Famous Photograph

A photograph taken by Mary Schäffer in 1907 shows Samson, Leah, and their daughter Frances Louise. This picture has become very famous. It has been used on many postcards and is often discussed by historians and researchers studying the history of the Canadian Rockies. It's a lasting reminder of their family and their connection to the land.