Miriam A. McNab is from George Gordon First Nation of Touchwood Hills/Posâkanaciy in Treaty 4, southern Saskatchewan, a community historically made up of a mixture of Plains Cree, Nakota, Saulteaux, and French- and Scots-Metis. McNab is an Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies at the First Nations University of Canada. McNab’s research and teaching interests include Saskatchewan First Nations History, First Nations Women’s History and Women’s Work, Historic Indigenous-Settler Relations, Plains Cree Culture and History, and Indigenous historical methodology. You can read about her perspectives on oral history work here:
McNab’s doctoral dissertation, “George Gordon First Nations Women: Partners in Survival” examines the work of the women of George Gordon First Nation in southern Saskatchewan from the earliest historical references until about the end of World War II. It covers many aspects of their experience and illustrates the vital importance of women’s work to their families’ survival and wellbeing from prior to Treaty 4, in 1874, settling on reserve, adapting to the farming way of life of the early reserve period, and developing new responses to changing economic conditions after the turn of the century.
McNab’s recent work includes a collaborative community-based history project with the Touchwood Agency Tribal Council and Elders entitled posâkanacîwiyiniwak: nitaskînân / The Touchwood Hills people: Our land, along with Bill Strongarm and Andrew Miller (2019); and a month’s worth of daily posts on “GGFN and area History” Facebook group for Indigenous History Month, 2023.
Contact:
mmcnab@firstnationsuniversity.ca
306-931-1800 ext. 5206
Select Works:
“National Indigenous History Month George Gordon First Nations and Area History Posts 1-30, 1-30 June 2023. GGFN and area History Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=GGFN%20and%20area%20history%20Miriam%20McNab
Themes covered: logging, Indian agents, labour and economic engagement, houses, chopping and hauling pickets, treaty negotiations, houses, Charles Pratt, Anglican Church, Church Missionary Society, women’s work, food, seneca root, Touchwood/tinder, Anglican Women’s Auxiliary, Homemakers Club, sports, picnics, dances.