Khot-La-Cha: The Autobiography of Chief Simon Baker

Kerry Abel is a professor of history at Carleton University. She is the author of Drum Songs: Glimpses of Dene History, co-editor of Aboriginal Resource Use in Canada: Historical and Legal Aspects, and co-editor of Northern Visions: New Perspectives on the North in Canadian History.

In this inspiring autobiography, Squamish elder Simon Baker tells the
story of his life directly from the heart. As he takes the reader
through his life, from residential school in Lillooet, B.C., to his
travels in Europe and New Zealand, introducing an interesting cast of
characters (friends, family, lacrosse players, political partners), one
is left with the impression that life for the chief has been a grand
adventure, which he has pursued with a zest that undoubtedly remains
undiminished.

Like his grandfather, prominent B.C. Native leader Joe Capilano, Baker
takes his role as chief very seriously. “I want our people to have
respect, pride and confidence” he says—values that are clearly
demonstrated in his own actions: for example, when he devotes his
considerable energies to promoting knowledge of his people’s culture
among both Native and non-Native peoples to encourage respect and
understanding, or when he stresses the need for harmony among all
peoples. Chief Baker lived his early life in poverty, and has survived
alcoholism and cancer. His story is told admirably and honestly.