Who was John Tetso and why are his letters important?

John Tetso was a Dene trapper from the Northwest Territories whose letters provide early documentation of Indigenous life on the land and advocate for literacy.

What is the John Tetso Memorial Library collecting?

The John Tetso Memorial Library recently received a donation of personal correspondence, photos, and sketches from trapper John Tetso.

How did Clare V. Molson and John Tetso become friends?

Clare V. Molson met John Tetso in August 1962 when her boat trip down the Deh Cho river led her to his camp, sparking a lasting friendship.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Trapper's Letters Reveal Untold N.W.T. Life

Trapper's Letters Reveal Untold N.W.T. Life

4 Jan

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Summary

A librarian received donated letters from a trapper and a prominent family.
The letters detail Indigenous life on the land from 60 years ago.
Tetso believed literacy was key to Indigenous self-protection and empowerment.

Trapper's Letters Reveal Untold N.W.T. Life

A remarkable collection of letters exchanged between Dene trapper John Tetso and Clare V. Molson has been donated to the John Tetso Memorial Library in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. These historical documents, dating back approximately 60 years, provide intimate insights into Tetso's life as a trapper and his strong advocacy for Indigenous education. The correspondence details his commitment to bush living and his belief in the power of literacy for self-protection.

The letters, along with photographs and sketches, are the foundational materials for Tetso's 1964 book, "Trapping is My Life." Molson, who recently made the donation, described Tetso as "a man ahead of his time." The library plans to preserve these items and create a memorial exhibit to share Tetso's life and legacy with the public, with input from his descendants.

Tetso's writings chronicle the challenges and ingenuity required for survival in the wilderness, including accounts of forging tools and facing the dangers of the bush. He also shared personal reflections on life and community, offering a unique perspective on existence beyond societal ambition. His correspondence with Molson, initiated after a chance meeting in 1962, highlights a unique friendship that bridged different worlds.