John Saunders’ Autobiography

On July 18, 1876, Abitibi Inland Métis Community member, Reverend John Saunders (Sanders), published an autobiography chronicling his life of family, faith, and service: 

“I do not remember the events which occurred before I arrived at the age of six or seven years; but since then I can remember very well almost everything that happened, more especially anything that was important.”

Written as he and his Métis family were preparing to depart for his childhood home of “Matawagamingue, the newly formed missionary station to which I have been appointed”, Saunders’ autobiography provides a vivid account of his Métis family and formative childhood years growing up at the small inland Hudson’s Bay Company posts, his early education and career with the Hudson’s Bay Company, as well as his calling to missionary service through which he built many deep and lasting connections.

Saunders’ memoir is among the historical primary documents—such as historic Métis community petitions and A.C. Osborne’s “Migration of Voyageurs from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene in 1828"—in which Métis people share their Métis stories and aspirations in their own distinct voices.

Reverend John Saunders’ 1876 autobiography not only offers a glimpse into his own remarkable life, but into the life of the historic Abitibi Inland Métis Community that continues his proud legacy of determination, resiliency, and service to this day.

See Our Sources

• John Saunders, “My Autobiography, July 18, 1876” General Synod Archives

• The Migration of Voyageurs from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene in 1828

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