David Thompson monument at Lac La Biche

Canadian broadcaster Stuart McLean has placed David Thompson among the world's greatest geographers. Educated in a London charity school, he left England at fourteen in 1784 as an apprentice, never to return. During his long service with the Hudson's Bay and Northwest Companies, he mapped much of the territory that would be Canada. This sculpture at Lac La Biche shows his lead canoe. All its occupants are named except, ironically, the essential one, the guide, who is referred to simply as "the Indian."

On the far left horizon is Pelican Island, named for the migrating birds. It will soon be added to the lovely Sir Winston Churchill Park.

Though BC rivers, schools and more are named after him, David Thompson died broke and unrecognized. He was buried in an unmarked grave in Montreal.