North to Slave Lake

About the Book

A family leaves the relative comfort of a small farm to seek their fortunes as trappers in the far north. A lack of knowledge and proper equipment leaves them far short of their intended destination, and they are forced to seek refuge in an abandoned house in the bush, miles away from any town.

Trapping was the only means of survival for this family, and the two boys learned its secrets by trial and error. From catching the fur, preparing it for market, and training dogs to pull the toboggan, nothing came easily.

This is the family's story as told through the recollections of the youngest son and last surviving member, a man who is still living in the same area. He reflects on his years of working outside in the bush to support his 16 children, but never forgetting his years of trapping in the bush. As a freight trucker into the northern Native communities, he relates his experiences with the people, the various stores, and the Catholic mission and staff.

He eventually finds work close to home, and gets back into trapping, acquiring more trapline areas as time progressed. He still traps and hunts today as his health and opportunity allows. This is his story and legacy that he endeavors to pass on.

About the Author

I am the eldest of Ted Morton's children, born on April 5, 1949. Although not an author by any means, I was convinced by a friend that Dad's story had to be told. I have tried to relate his story as he has told it to me.

Dad continues to pass on his knowledge and respect for the forest, its animals, and what they can provide to a person for survival and enjoyment. I continue to trap and hunt with my dad today, even though it becomes more and more of a challenge as time goes on for him.

Dad still lives on the home place and I presently live twenty-two miles away in the town of Slave Lake, which is situated on the northern end of our trapline. My full time occupation is as an Industrial Mechanic for a local pulp mill. --- Stan Morton