In 1992, Margaret Lorraine MacMaster of Caribou was honoured by the Governor General of Canada for her "significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada." The receipt of the commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada recognized her efforts in assisting with the publication of The Stories of Caribou. Margaret's "millennium project" proves that her quest to preserve the history of her community continues. She may have unconsciously carried on the wishes of her mother, Christene MacKeil, who was also a writer, poet and community spirited lady. Contained in a first and maybe only draft of her mother’s autobiography were powerful lines, such as, "I wish that neighbourliness would never end." Despite the many heartaches Margaret had to bear, her family is blessed by her continuing efforts to pass on the gift of the true sense of family, friends and community.
Margaret still loves a good story which is evidenced by her impish smile and crinkling, mischievous eyes. This was her expression when she told me that she had a call from Jessie Colter and her husband Waylon Jennings wishing her a happy 85th birthday. It is amazing how large her community has become.
Beth Henderson