God's Explorers

A Television Documentary by Susan Cardinal

Constructing A Catholic Society

By the turn of the 20^th century, the Oblates were well on their way to building a Catholic society. They found fertile ground among the Dene of the Northwest Territories. Epidemics of tuberculosis and flu had devastated whole families. Once again, the Oblates stepped in to save "the poor". They built orphanages, hospitals, farms, roads and boats. The mission post itself soon became the focal point of their efforts.

According to Father Achiel Peelman, omi, Professor of Theology at St. Paul University in Ottawa, the focus on building up the mission compounds would alter the Oblates’ relationship with the people forever. 

"The missionaries were not going anymore to the people, but the people were coming to the mission for everything … education, religious services, medicare, social health. That was a major shift in the dynamics and a very important one."

The Oblates also took to the political arena, fighting for Indian rights and health care.  But as the Oblates’ missions grew, so did the financial demands to maintain them.

next    previous   home

God's Explorers premiered on 

History Television Canada 

Wednesday, January 2, 2002

9PM ET/PT 

"The Church was loved by the people. The Church was powerful. But we hit the Titanic with modern society"

Bishop Denis Croteau, omi

Bishop of the Mackenzie Valley in "God's Explorers"

God's Explorers funding agencies and broadcasters