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Overview Establishment People and Events Legacy

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  Heritage Trails: Calgary to Morley, Part 1
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Heritage Trails: Calgary to Morley, Part 2
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Heritage Trails: Edmonton to Calgary Trail, Part 1
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It had long been the desire of George McDougall to open a mission among the Stoney-Nakoda and Blackfoot people of southern Alberta. Numerous factors had, up to that time, prevented a missionary effort, but by the early 1870s, McDougall felt the time was right.

By 1873, a smallpox epidemic and famine had devastated the area's Aboriginal population and alcohol and despair had weakened much of the community.  As preparations for treaty negotiations began, a tribal council was held at the Pigeon Lake mission with both John and George McDougall present. At this meeting the Stoney-Nakoda people and missionaries agreed to the mission on the Bow River. The Morley mission would not only serve the Aboriginal people and oppose the whiskey traders, but also afford an opportunity to establish a more permanent relationship with the Blackfoot Nation.

Established during a period of discontent among the Aboriginal population, the Morley mission was received with mixed feelings. Many welcomed the arrival of the missionaries, hoping they would help combat the ravages of liquor and offer some relief from famine and war. Others among the tribe, however, were less receptive and kept their distance. 

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