Settlers came to Red River filled with hope, but some found only disappointment. In many cases, their names are remembered only in 200-year-old journal entries. Such an one was Helen Kennedy, a young Irish woman who sailed in 1813.

As I have read through the literature researching this topic, it has become apparent that, in the early days of the RRS – and well into its history – man’s best friend functioned mainly as the sled dog. A good breeding stock must have been in the area before the settlers arrived. Although there is mention of dogs being used at York Factory, I didn’t see any reference to them being brought down in the boats.

“Sunday in the morning visited all the Tents & warned the whole party to be clean in the course of the day & have clean Shirts & handkerchf. on, as the Gentlemen from the Factory and their wives would call upon us to-day, who accordingly came about Eleven O’Clock….” – Journal of Archibald McDonald 1814