Isabella MacIver Thomas (2025) The First Lewis Woman in Athabasca

The story is in the title. A pamphlet printed in her native Gaelic and later in English. From some ‘sketchy notes’ Isabella MacIver Thomas travelled by the SS Clansman from Lewis to Canada, March 1880. Three years after her wedding to join her husband, (and first cousin) James Thomson. Then by the Canadian Pacific Railway out through to America—Detroit, Chicago, St. Paul, Minnesota and back again to join him—in Canada at Pembina in the province of Manitoba, and arriving shortly afterwards at Winnipeg  The Long Portage over land and river.  He worked for the Hudson Bay Company, which owned Canada.

Note, she wasn’t the first woman in Athabasca. That would be Indian women, who didn’t really count. Or Frenchmen, who did. But Britain ruled the waves and ruled Canada.

Her doctor advised her not to travel. Being a woman meant she was too frail. Even if she wasn’t that frail, she was warned the Indians would likely kill her. She reckoned they were ‘friendly’.  

Early settlers from (overpopulated) Lewis and other Highland Islands were sent out by wealthy men to produce wealth from the unproductive and empty lands of the great northwest. The references to ‘stone’ Forts were no accident. Genocide.

 Red River – SS Grandin .  Fort Carlton (built with logs). Fort Garry. Fort  Alexander. Fort McMurray. Fort Chipewyan.

A pamphlet that might interest local historians or family and friends. Read on