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Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Oilers hire Bowman as GM

• Upcoming Muay Thai Kickboxing Summer Camp

• A deep dive into the life of John McDougall

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”

–Paulo Coelho

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Edmonton Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which historic Edmonton theatre, opened in 1915, was the city's first luxurious movie palace?

A) The Garneau Theatre

B) The Winspear Centre

C) The Princess Theatre

D) The Citadel Theatre

Last Week's Trivia:

Edmonton's "Festival City" nickname is due to its hosting how many festivals annually? Answer: C) Over 50

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Alberta furniture store committed to fostering a community of connected people in Edmonton. (link)

51 restaurants take part in 40th edition of Taste of Edmonton. (link)

Hindu temple vandalised, defaced with graffiti in Canada's Edmonton. (link)

🏦Finance

Aviation fuel shortage affects some B.C. businesses. (link)

🏒Sports

Oilers hire Bowman as GM less than 3 years since he resigned after Blackhawks sexual assault scandal. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🥋 Muay Thai Kickboxing Summer Camp
YEG Martial Arts & Fitness10014 164 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Friday, August 2 | 12:00 PM MDT | (more info)

Concerts

🎤 Mac Lethal Mayday!: The Black Lemonade Tour
Union Hall 6240 99 St NW Edmonton,
Thursday, August 1 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Shockerfest #32
The Starlite Room 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Saturday, August 3 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Family Paint Party
Evario Kitchen + Bar 950 Parsons Road SW Edmonton,
Friday, August 2 | 6 - 8pm MDT | (more info)

🎉BKS Dance Party at the Playground
Parkallen Community League 6510 111 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Saturday, August 3 · 4 - 8pm MDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Edmonton with interactive, educational playgrounds for all ages.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Edmonton History

1987: Edmonton’s Black Friday, a devastating tornado.

On July 31, 1987, Edmonton was struck by one of the most devastating natural disasters in its history, an event that would come to be known as ""Black Friday."" A powerful tornado, rated F4 on the Fujita scale, tore through the eastern part of the city and parts of Strathcona County, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The tornado claimed 27 lives, injured hundreds, and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The intensity of the storm and the suddenness with which it struck caught many residents by surprise, leading to harrowing tales of survival and loss. The city's landscape, particularly in the areas of Mill Woods, Clareview, and the industrial zone around Refinery Row, was irrevocably changed, with the physical and emotional scars deeply etched into the community's consciousness.

In the aftermath of Black Friday, Edmontonians demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity. The community, along with governmental and non-governmental organizations, rallied to provide relief and support to those affected. The recovery efforts were immense, involving the cleanup of debris, rebuilding of destroyed properties, and provision of aid and counseling services to victims and their families. This tragic event highlighted the vulnerability of urban centers to natural disasters and the importance of emergency preparedness and response mechanisms. It also led to significant changes in how the city and the province approached disaster management, with improved warning systems, better urban planning, and increased public awareness campaigns being implemented to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.

Today, the memory of Black Friday serves as a somber reminder of nature's power and the unpredictability of severe weather events. The tragedy has fostered a strong sense of community and resilience among Edmontonians, who commemorate the event with memorials and ceremonies. The tornado's impact on the city's development policies, emergency services, and community engagement initiatives continues to influence Edmonton, ensuring that the lessons learned from that fateful day are not forgotten. Black Friday remains a pivotal moment in Edmonton's history, a testament to the city's ability to come together in the face of adversity and rebuild stronger than before.

Famous Edmontonians

John McDougall (1822–1898): Early Methodist missionary in Edmonton.

John McDougall: The Formative Years (1822–1840)

John McDougall was born in 1822 in Upper Canada, where he grew up in a devout Methodist family. His early life was deeply influenced by the religious fervor of his community, instilling in him a strong sense of faith and a calling to missionary work. This period was crucial in shaping McDougall's future path as a missionary in the Canadian West, particularly in the Edmonton area.

Answering the Call to Missionary Work (1840–1860)

In his late teens and early twenties, McDougall felt a compelling call to serve as a missionary. He dedicated himself to religious studies and the learning of Indigenous languages, preparing for his life's work among the First Nations communities of the Canadian West. His commitment to his faith and willingness to live among and learn from Indigenous peoples were hallmarks of his early ministry.

Establishing Missions in the West (1860–1870)

By the 1860s, McDougall had moved westward, focusing his efforts on establishing Methodist missions in what is now Alberta. He was instrumental in setting up several missions around the Edmonton area, where he worked tirelessly to build relationships with the local Indigenous communities. His approach to missionary work was marked by a respect for Indigenous cultures and an emphasis on education and healthcare.

The Edmonton Mission (1870–1880)

One of McDougall's most significant contributions was the establishment of a mission near the present-day site of Edmonton. This mission became a vital center for religious and social gatherings, education, and medical care for Indigenous peoples and early settlers in the region. McDougall's work in Edmonton laid the foundation for the city's development as a diverse and community-oriented place.

Advocacy for Indigenous Rights (1880–1890)

Throughout his career, McDougall emerged as a staunch advocate for the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples. He often found himself at odds with government policies and worked to mediate conflicts between Indigenous communities and European settlers. His advocacy was grounded in a deep belief in justice and equality, guiding his actions both as a missionary and as a community leader.

Connection to Edmonton (Throughout Career)

John McDougall's connection to Edmonton was integral to his life and work. His establishment of the Edmonton mission and his engagement with the city's early development were pivotal in shaping the community's character. McDougall's legacy in Edmonton is remembered for his contributions to the city's spiritual life and his efforts to foster understanding and cooperation among its diverse inhabitants.

Legacy and Impact (1890–1898)

John McDougall's passing in 1898 marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to missionary work and advocacy. His legacy in Edmonton and across Alberta is seen in the ongoing work of the Methodist (later United) Church, the continued importance of the missions he established, and the recognition of his efforts to support Indigenous communities. McDougall's life exemplifies the impact of faith and compassion in action.

Key Achievements

• Played a foundational role in establishing Methodist missions in the Edmonton area, contributing to the region's spiritual and social development.

• Advocated for the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples, often serving as a mediator between Indigenous communities and European settlers.

• His legacy in Edmonton includes fostering a community-oriented approach to city development and intercultural understanding.

John McDougall's dedication to his missionary work and his profound impact on the Edmonton area and its inhabitants have left a lasting legacy. Through the establishment of missions and his advocacy for Indigenous rights, McDougall contributed significantly to the development of Edmonton as a community that values diversity, education, and healthcare. His life's work exemplifies the power of faith, compassion, and commitment to justice and equality, continuing to inspire future generations.

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-Matthew Larsen

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