Lake St. Charles, near Quebec before 1866

William Notman’s photograph, "Lake St. Charles, near Quebec", is a small albumen print, likely made in the mid-19th century. During this time, photography served a dual purpose: documenting the Canadian landscape and promoting its economic potential. Notman's work captures the scenic beauty of Lake St. Charles, but it also reflects the colonial gaze that shaped perceptions of the land. While the image presents a serene view of nature, consider the unacknowledged history of Indigenous peoples whose territories were being transformed by resource extraction and settlement. The list of salmon and trout rivers on the adjacent page suggests a focus on natural resources. This photograph offers a window into the complex relationship between landscape, identity, and colonial expansion in 19th-century Canada. It invites us to reflect on whose stories are told and whose are omitted in the visual narratives of nation-building.