Thanadelthur (1697 - 1717)
Thanadelthur (Marten Shake) was an extraordinary woman from the Chipewyan Denesoline; an indigenous nation living in the sub-arctic region West of the Hudson Bay. A taiga country, unforgivably cold and harsh during the winter months
In 1713, Thanadelthur is captured by the Moosonee Cree (Moose Cree), a rival nation
She will succeed to escape. But after months trying to find her people in vain, wandering alone in the wild, surviving against all odds, she arrives half dead at York Factory; a fur trading post located on the Hudson Bay at the mouths of the Hayes and Nelson Rivers. The post is operated by the English Hudson Bay Company, in Moosonee Cree territory
Everyone at the "Fort" is surprised by the unexpected arrival
She will advocate to the Company local representatives that; since the Company has provided the Cree with guns, it is impossible for her people to come trading down at York Factory, in Cree territory. The Chipewyan Denesoline are being literally chased off by the Moosone Cree
She suggest to build another trading post, further North, at the mouth of the Churchill River. In Chipewyan Denesoline territory
For the benefit of all, they agree that the company should push for a peace aggreement between the Chipewyan Denesoline and the Moosonee Cree
Thanadellthur will be appointed conciliator (mediator) in a "Hudson Bay Company / Moosonee Cree" peace delegation to meet with the Chipewyan Denesoline
Conciliator in a peace delegation... You are probably picturing a comfortable drive in the back of an official diplomatic limousine... but in fact, it was a long and strenuous journey across the Barren Grounds. Sick, starving and exhausted, most will turn back before the mission is achieved
She will, at last, find the Chipewyan Denesoline. After 1300 km of travel... on foot!!!
Thanadelthur, as a talented diplomat, will successfully convince her people to make peace with the Cree
Finally, her people will have access to the benefits of trading with the "Agayasiu" (English foreigners in Cree language)
An incredible 8 months expedition in the taiga. A 2600 km round trip, on foot, in a most difficult landscape. Reconciling two nation at war for generations
All with the improbable mission success to be credited to the intelligence and determination of this true Heroine of the Canadian North
CANADA Enduring - Inspired by the Heroes of Yesterday
