On the North Trail — The Treaty 8 Diary of O.C. Edwards

Ed: David Leonard and Beverly Whalen
1999 (SC 122 p) ISBN 1-55056-657-1

In 1900, northern Alberta was visited for a second time by a commission seeking native acceptance of Treaty 8. Accompanying the commission as its physician was Oliver Cromwell Edwards whose diary presents a memorable account of the region at that time.

Edwards’ description of northern travel is especially compelling – over the notorious Klondike Trail in wagons, down the mighty Peace in scows, and up the Athabasca in barges hauled by legendary Métis trackers. Also capturing the flavour of the northern wilderness are Edwards’ excellent photos, several of which are reproduced in this volume. To everyone fascinated by the northern wilderness, Edwards’ diary will be indispensable.