Hello, first post here... long time Canadian paddler & I'm working on a fictional canoeing-related story and am embarking on some research. I'm looking for examples (19th or early 20th century or possibly earlier) of women who have embarked on long canoe expeditions. It's relatively easy to find non-fiction books and websites related to modern-day women, but more challenging to find historical examples. What I'd love to find is a story about a woman (settler or Indigenous) throughout Canadian/US history who may have acted as a guide, or embarked on long expeditions for other reasons. Could be from the fur-trade era or before/after... I'm interested specifically in expedition-style canoeing, rather than competitive canoeing or kayaking. I'm hoping the hive mind here might be able to send me in some great directions.
Here is a little bit more criteria...
-women undertaking canoe journeys under their own steam rather than just 'accompanied husband and didn't really hold a paddle.'
-women who possibly acted as guides or navigators for parties of explorers/traders/otherwise
-...who undertook long journeys, possibly a month or more at a time...
-...who went on trips for challenge/joy of it
Thank you in advance for any leads! I have cross-posted on the MYCCR forum but am still searching for the right story...
Kristina
Here is a little bit more criteria...
-women undertaking canoe journeys under their own steam rather than just 'accompanied husband and didn't really hold a paddle.'
-women who possibly acted as guides or navigators for parties of explorers/traders/otherwise
-...who undertook long journeys, possibly a month or more at a time...
-...who went on trips for challenge/joy of it
Thank you in advance for any leads! I have cross-posted on the MYCCR forum but am still searching for the right story...
Kristina