Proclaiming the Gospel to the Indians and the Métis

Michael Payne is head of the research and publications program, Historic
Sites and Archives Service, Alberta Community Develop- ment, and
co-author of A Narrative History of Fort Dunvegan.

Raymond Huel begins his study of the western and northern Canadian
missions of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate by reviewing the origins of
the order and the development of its missionary strategies. He then
outlines the rapid expansion of Oblate missions from Red River in the
mid-1840s across Rupert’s Land and into the Mackenzie River region.
These early chapters balance a respect for the Oblates’ adaptability
and genuine belief in the virtues of their mission with a recognition
that many of their teachings and activities had destructive consequences
for aboriginal societies.

Carrying the story of the Oblates into the 20th century, Huel examines
how they became increasingly involved in the provision of social
services in aboriginal communities and how the provision of such
services as health care and education (via industrial and residential
schools) contributed to a legacy of distrust and pain. He also discusses
the relationship that developed between the Canadian government and the
Oblate order—a relationship that cast missionaries in the role of
surrogate providers of government services at the same time as they were
attempting to act as “fathers, guides and protectors” of mission
communities.

The book ends with an interesting reflection on possible future
relations between the Roman Catholic Church and the Oblates and Native
communities. Some may disagree with Huel’s suggestion that a
rapprochement is desirable, but few would disagree with his view that
this time “First Nations themselves must decide [whether] they are
willing to accept Christianity and [if so,] on what terms.”