CALGARY, Alberta – On Jan. 3, 1998, nine individuals tragically lost their lives in a series of avalanches that swept through the southeastern British Columbia mountains. This historical date in 1998 marked a devastating event in Canadian history, as the region experienced the deadly consequences of these natural disasters. Pictured, a RCMP helicopter is seen taking off to assist in the retrieval of victims’ bodies in one of the avalanches.
In conjunction with this event, significant historical milestones occurred on this date:
– In 1793, slavery was abolished in Canada, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s history.
– In 1912, the first Canadian hockey game played on artificial ice saw the New Westminster Royals defeat the host Victoria Aristocrats 8-3, showcasing the evolution of the sport.
– In 1959, Alaska officially became the 49th state of the United States.
– In 1980, conservationist Joy Adamson, author of Born Free, tragically lost her life in northern Kenya due to a dispute with a servant, marking the end of a significant era in wildlife conservation.
The historical significance of Jan. 3 is evident in the various events and milestones that have shaped the trajectory of Canadian and international history. From the abolition of slavery in Canada to the tragic loss of lives in the 1998 avalanches, this date holds a multitude of historical events that continue to resonate with the country’s past.