Episode 1 - Somethin' About Beginnings
Somethin’ About Beginnings
On the debut episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, we discuss the early settler history of Strathcona, Edmonton, including the namesake of our neighbourhood—Robert Ritchie—and many of his endeavours. We introduce the early food politics of the area, which includes a discussion about Treaty 6 and the Home Farms Program. Then we touch on the evolution of South Edmonton, to Strathcona, to the City of Edmonton, and finish with a look into the formation of Ritchie.
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Show Notes
Robert Ritchie, 1900. Image courtesy of David McDonald.
Sarah Louisa Ritchie (nee Orsman), wife of Robert Ritchie, 1898. Image courtesy of David McDonald.
Ritchie Family in Perth, Ontario, 1889 before their move to Strathcona in 1892. Image courtesy of David McDonald
The Ritchie house at 10323 Saskatchewan Drive. Sitting are Alice, Boyd, Mrs Sarah Ritchie and Grace Ritchie. Standing are Will, Mr Robert Ritchie and Arthur Ritchie. The Ritchie House remained in this location until 1941 when it was moved to 10910 84 Avenue and converted into apartments. Image courtesy of David McDonald.
The updated Ritchie house at its new site at 10910 84 Avenue. It has since been torn down. Image courtesy of David McDonald.
"Ritchie school, Edmonton, Alberta.", 1914, (CU153753) by McDermid Studio. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
"Immigration hall, South Edmonton, Alberta.", [ca. 1915-1918], (CU1109520) by Unknown. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
"Flour mill, Edmonton Milling Company, Edmonton, Alberta," 1912, (CU179441) by Byron-May Company Limited. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
"Plan of the Town of Strathcona," 1905, (EAM-241a) by the Office of the City Clerk. Courtesy of City of Edmonton Archives.
"Map of the City of Strathcona, Province of Alberta," 1907, (EAM-77) by Robert W. Lendrum and J.H Davies. Courtesy of City of Edmonton Archives.
BOOKS/ARTICLES
Jan Olson’s book “Scona Lives” includes exciting tidbits about the Ritchie family and Strathcona.
In “Lost Harvests,” Sarah Carter discusses early agriculture on the plains.
James Daschuck uncovers the harrowing details of starvation, disease and government control of indigenous people in “Clearing the Plains.”
Ron Kuban dives into early Edmonton history in “Edmonton Urban Villages.”
Matthew Wildcat takes a deep dive into geography, politics, and art across the Albertan prairies in his article “Reserves in Alberta.”
“History of West Ritchie” by Cooper Csorba is a fascinating and quick read about Ritchie’s past.
Michelle Filice dives into the details of Treaty 6.
Check out Madeleine Cummings article about Ritchie School.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND RECONCILIATION RESOURCES:
“Rethinking the Practice and Performance of Indigenous Land Acknowledgement” by Dylan Robinson, Kanonhsyonne Janice C. Hill, Armand Garnet Ruffo, Selena Couture, and Lisa Cooke Ravensbergen.
“Canadian University Acknowledgment of Indigenous Lands, Treaties, and Peoples” by Rima Wilkes, Aaron Duong, Linc Kesler, and Howard Ramos.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
The podcast “Our Foods: Chatting about Métis food Sovereignty” from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Native Studies explores many aspects of food sovereignty in the Métis community.
The University of Alberta offers a free online course about Indigenous history in Canada.
Turtle Island Safer Spaces works with local businesses to facilitate learning and proactive allyship for Indigenous youth.
Mâmawô ayâwin at Edmonton Public Library is a platform for gathering and learning, which developed from Edmonton Public Library’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's calls to action.
Corrections
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Next Time
We’ll look at the establishment of the Community Leagues Movement and some of the Ritchie Community Leagues activities over the past 100 years.
To show your support for the Ritchie Community League, consider The Ritchie Crew Subscription Service.
Check out ACME Meat Market for all your local butchery needs! Members of the Ritchie Crew Subscription Service receive 10% off at ACME and many other Ritchie spots!
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If you have a story you would like to share in a future episode of A Little Bit Ritchie, send us an email at community-planning@ritchie-league.com.
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Credits
A Little Bit Ritchie is brought to you by the Ritchie Community League Centennial Celebration Committee. Erin Fraser and Seghan MacDonald co-chair the Committee. Our primary researcher is Linnea Bell. Elyse Colville wrote this episode.
A Little Bit Ritchie is produced by Castria Communications and Media Solutions, and the project is supported by the Edmonton Heritage Council and the City of Edmonton. Thank you to Tierra Connor for our artwork! Our theme music is “Twin Ponds” by Hemlock.