A collection of letters and photographs exchanged between Dehcho Dene trapper John Tetso and Clare V. Molson has been donated to the John Tetso Memorial Library in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. Valerie Grenier, the librarian, expressed amazement at the historical significance of the materials, which include handwritten letters, sketches, and photos of Tetso at his cabin, working with a sawhorse, and traveling by boat and dog team.
Molson, a member of the prominent Molson family, made the donation. The letters, dating back 60 years, served as source material for Tetso’s 1964 autobiography, “Trapping is My Life,” which sheds light on Indigenous life in the Northwest Territories. These items will be preserved for future generations and showcased in a memorial exhibit with contributions from Tetso’s descendants.
Tetso, a dedicated trapper, was passionate about Indigenous education and believed in the power of literacy to empower Indigenous communities. He highlighted the challenges faced by Indigenous people, such as signing agreements they couldn’t read, and advocated for improved literacy within the community.
The friendship between Tetso and Molson blossomed after a chance meeting on the Deh Cho (Mackenzie River) in 1962. They exchanged stories, gifts, and letters, with Tetso crafting snowshoes for Molson and Molson sending him records and film for capturing family photographs. Tetso’s letters reflect his experiences in the bush, showcasing the hardships and joys of his rustic lifestyle.
In his writings, Tetso detailed the resilience required to survive in the wilderness, recounting incidents like forging a rifle part with axes, encounters with wildlife, and the pleasures of bush cuisine. Despite the challenges, Tetso found fulfillment in his way of life and shared his memories with Molson before his passing.
The letters and photographs provide a glimpse into Tetso’s remarkable life and legacy, offering valuable insights into Indigenous culture and the realities of bush living in the Northwest Territories.
