John Maclean

John Maclean (born John McLean on October 30, 1851, in Kilmarnock, Scotland) was a prominent Wesleyan Methodist pastor and missionary who dedicated much of his life to serving the Indigenous peoples of the Canadian Northwest. After immigrating to Canada, Maclean held various pastorates in Western Canada, including a notable tenure in Port Arthur, Ontario, from 1892 to 1896. His work among Indigenous communities, particularly in the realm of language preservation and cultural understanding, earned him recognition as a key figure in the study of Indigenous cultures in Canada. Maclean was a prolific author and scholar, publishing works that focused on the history, language, and customs of Canada's Indigenous peoples. His notable works include The Blackfoot Language (1896), The Indians of Canada: Their Manners and Customs (1892), and Canadian Savage Folk (1896). He also contributed to academic journals, such as the Transactions of the Canadian Institute. Maclean's work on Indigenous languages and social organization, particularly among the Blackfoot, helped illuminate their rich cultural traditions. He passed away on March 7, 1928, leaving a lasting legacy in the fields of anthropology and mission work.