Norway House was one of the most important
missions in the Canadian West. It served as the headquarters for the
Western missionary effort as well as being a successful mission in its own right. From
Norway House James Evans spread the syllabic system for the Cree
language and under the
leadership of Evans' successor, William Mason, the mission became an
important translation and printing centre.
As long as the
Hudson's Bay Company transportation routes were used, the mission remained
the gateway to the West. Its significance diminished somewhat, however, as
more Western missions were established, new overland
routes increased and the cross-continental rail line was
finished.
The
history of Norway House reflects the influence of many people, including
the English, Cree and Métis. Ceremonies celebrating this long history have been
held at various times throughout the 20th century. In 1940 the 100th anniversary of the mission
was celebrated, and in 1955 Evans' ashes were brought from Great Britain and
buried on the site of his mission church. In 1998 a plaque
commemorating Evans was ceremoniously displayed in a bi-cultural event.

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