If you're a Calgarian, and have been for awhile, the name McDougall may be familiar. Perhaps you've heard of McDougall Hall, or went to George McDougall High School.
George McDougall, and his son John McDougall were founding fathers of this city. They attended the first Stampede, riding on horseback down Stephen Avenue a hundred years ago. I was surprised to hold the original of that photo in my hands at the Glenbow Archives, as the McDougall's are my ancestors. Rev. George McDougall being my great great great great great Uncle, and John, my 1st cousin, five times removed.
These pioneers were also missionaries and in 1873 they established a mission with the Nakoda in Morley, Alberta. He was present at the signing of Treaty 6 in 1876, and again at the Treaty 7 negotiations at Blackfoot Crossing in 1877. He acted as translator and advisor to the Nakoda Nation at the Treaty 7 talks.
When I discovered all this and realized a church they built was only an hour away I had to go see it (actually it took me two years of procrastination).
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