While the story of the Dawson Trail has been explored by many over the years, you will find none quite as diverse as the one that we have compiled here for you all to enjoy. 

Months of research from literally thousands of sources have provided us with fresh insights into this age-old story.  As a road that has been recognized for its historical and cultural significance at all three levels of government, we hope you’ll agree that the Dawson Trail is a story worth exploring and sharing anew.

We reach beyond colonial narratives on its role in linking together a new nation to bring you some lesser-known “nuggets” about the coming of the road, and its impact, that foregrounds community knowledge as well as Indigenous and women’s experiences.  These more diverse perspectives highlight the need to bring this story into the era of national reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.   

The Dawson Trail may never have become the preferred route for settlers to the west, but its story has long since been celebrated by its communities for the pivotal role it had in the shaping of Manitoba and Canada. It is my hope that these stories, or “treasures of the Dawson Trail”, will excite, intrigue, inspire and educate.  May the stories be told, at the very least, as a testament to the resilience of our ancestors who valiantly upheld their own values in the face of adversity and always demonstrated the warmth and generosity toward visitors that has come to be the hallmark of the communities of the Dawson Trail. 

Pierrette Sherwood, Chair, Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour

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