McDougall Stoney Mission Society

The McDougall Stoney Mission Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the historical significance of the Morleyville Settlement, particularly the McDougall Stoney Mission Church, and its connection to the Îyârhe Stoney people. The organization is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency and holds the business registration number 119035558RR0001.

History

The society's roots trace back to 1952 when several service clubs rescued the historical church. It was formally established by the Presbytery of the United Church of Canada in 1971 as the McDougall Memorial Church Maintenance and Restoration Society. The name was changed to the McDougall Stoney Mission Society in 1975, reflecting its broader responsibilities in preserving the 43.9-acre land east of Morley, Alberta, which includes the first Methodist Church in Southern Alberta[3].

The McDougall brothers, George and John, played a pivotal role in establishing Methodist missions in the region. George McDougall first visited the Stoney people in Southern Alberta in 1864, and their family eventually settled in the area in 1873. They chose a site near the Bow River, which became a crucial location for interactions with the Stoney people and other local communities[2].

Mission

The McDougall Stoney Mission Society's mission is to preserve, maintain, and interpret the historic church and its surrounding landmarks for the benefit of visitors worldwide. This mission aims to foster understanding and appreciation of the shared history between early settlers and the Indigenous peoples of the region, particularly the Îyârhe Stoney people[1][3].

Significance

The society acknowledges the ancestral and traditional lands of many North American Indigenous Peoples and highlights the importance of the site as a place where diverse cultures intersect. It recognizes the vital contributions and support from the Stoney people, celebrating their heritage and connection to the land[1].

The organization contributes to ongoing efforts towards truth and reconciliation by engaging communities in discussions about cultural and historical topics related to the Stoney people's conversion to Christianity and their traditional spiritual practices[5].

Operations

As a registered charity, the McDougall Stoney Mission Society relies on donations to support its work. It offers opportunities for fundraising and provides tax receipts to donors, which aids in maintaining its operations and furthering its mission[3].