Settling the Wild – Pioneering on Western Trails

Reverend John McDougall was a renowned pioneer and missionary. In his travelogues McDougall tried to unfold a captivating narrative of his life spent navigating the uncharted landscapes of the Canadian Northwest. Through a series of books covering the decades from the 1840s to the 1870s, McDougall's documented adventures provide an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of early homesteading in the Canadian wilderness.
Table of Contents:
"Forest, Lake and Prairie (1842-1862)" - McDougall recounts two decades of frontier life, depicting the untamed beauty and harsh realities of Western Canada.
"Saddle, Sled and Snowshoe (1862-1865)" - Join the pioneer as he takes to the trails along the Saskatchewan, showcasing the resilience required for survival in the 1860s.
"Pathfinding on Plain and Prairie (1865-1868)" - McDougall shares stirring scenes from his experiences in the Canadian Northwest, navigating vast plains and challenging terrains.
"In the Days of the Red River Rebellion (1868-1872)" - Immerse yourself in life and adventure in the far reaches of Canada's West during a tumultuous period of rebellion.
"On Western Trails in the Early Seventies (1872-1875)" - Explore the final chapter of McDougall's frontier pioneer life, as he traverses Western Canada in the early 1870s, encountering new challenges and opportunities.

John McDougall (1842-1917) was a missionary, civil servant and published author in Alberta, Canada. McDougall was born in Sydenham, Upper Canada, but they moved west to the boreal forest trading post of Norway House in 1860. He followed in his father's footsteps and did missionary work in the western Prairies. McDougall worked for multiple governments on First Nations issues over the years and worked with Native leaders to lobby governments to improve conditions for their people, such as travelling with Little Bear to Ottawa.