Fur trade history and dogs
Dog domestication records began 15,000 years ago and it appears not that humans domesticated the dog, but rather the dog domesticated themselves. As creatures of opportunity, they adapted to become more accustomed to humans, and humans received them for a variety of purposes. The duties of dogs have ranged from agriculture, hunting, companionship and for our purposes, sled-pulling and hauling
Around 1801, the Northwest Company initiated mail service by dog team from Fort Chipewyan on Lake Athabasca to headquarters at Fort William in what is now Thunder Bay, Ontario. Until 1845, the company carried letters free of charge for employees and factors, as well as freemen and settlers. Post 1845, the charge of $1.00 was applied to outsiders for this privilege.
It was custom for the Hudson’s Bay Company to meet at Fort Edmonton during the Christmas week to discuss business, prepare orders for trade goods and further, to make merry for the season tidings. Peter Erasmus’ work Buffalo Days and Nights, available at Edmonton Public Library, recounts the dogs that were present at these events.
“Every dog driver and team was rushing supplies of fish, with a roar from the dogs when visitors approached … After the event, their dogs were still dressed in all ribbons, tassels and bells of the previous day, but at noon, the dogs would be stripped of the decorations which were carefully put away for the next year” Read more at https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2015/03/11/edmonton-goes-to-the-dogs/
Kinnaird ravine art walk
Kinnaird ravine has one of the largest displays of public art in Edmonton and is part of a river valley trail. The burst of colourful art is a bonus to the beauty of this trail. The art was contributed by members of the community, with people coming together from organizations and schools to paint the murals together.
This relatively short and quiet trail is a great place to get introspective in the heart of the city while appreciating local art. It begins at Sheriff Robertson Park playground which is on the northeast corner of 82 St and 111 Ave. After parking, walk through the playground. You will notice a trailhead indicating dogs have to be on-leash, as well as a garbage can. Head down this trail.
There are sections of murals spread out over the first km of the trail. Enjoy the display of community art mixed with the beauty of the trees and trails. After 2 km, the trail goes steeply downward to join the main trail that goes from Dawson Park to Capilano Bridge. Continue your adventure or turn around back up the hill to return the way you came. Information at
https://rivervalley.ab.ca/news/trail-trek-how-to-kinnaird-ravine-art-walk/
Edmonton Christmas bird count on December 20
This traditional citizen-science project contributes data to an immense database managed and analyzed by the National Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada. Thousands of Christmas counts occur around the world and Edmonton has been participating since 1955.
In Edmonton, teams of participants will scour the city on December 20 to gather information on bird numbers. For many years, Edmonton held the world record for participants. If you have never counted birds on a Christmas bird count before, check out this participate page to find out how you can volunteer http://www.edmontonchristmasbirdcount.ca/participate.html
The Edmonton Nature Club will host a Birds of Christmas virtual presentation December 18 at 7pm. Dick Cannings will present on Birds of Christmas, including how to get involved in the Christmas Bird Count, as well as some of the common birds we can see in the Edmonton region in the winter months. More info at https://www.edmontonnatureclub.org/calendar.html
River valley concern or question
If you have a river valley concern or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Your friends and neighbours can sign up for this newsletter at https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
If you have a photo, information, news or event about Edmonton’s river valley and think it should be in this newsletter, email it to nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
nsrivervalley@gmail.com
https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
Facebook @NSRVCS
Instagram @nsrvcs