Native Chiefs and Famous Métis: Leadership and Bravery in the Canadian West

Susan McKnight is an administrator of the Courts Technology Integrated Justice Project at the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.

This collection of biographies is devoted to five specific Aboriginal
figures from the history of the Canadian West: Big Bear (Mistahimusqua),
Poundmaker (Pitikwahanapiwiyin), Peter Erasmus, Crowfoot (Isapo-Muxiha),
and Jerry Potts (Ky-yo-kosi, Bear Child). Although the stories are based
in fact, the author notes in the prologue that she has “embellished
them with [her] own imagination and interpretations of what may have
been going through the hearts and minds of the people involved.” This
approach gives the stories an oral tradition feel.

The plight of the Native heroes is often quite sad, yet Quan emphasizes
the leadership qualities and the contributions each character brought to
the development of Canada as a nation. Through the story/legend
approach, she makes it easier for the reader to visualize the chiefs’
hardships and struggles.

For adults and early teen readers alike, Native Chiefs and Famous
Métis is a fascinating way to learn history. Quan has also written a
book about Sam Steele for the Amazing Stories series.