Voyages: Canada's Heritage Rivers

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian studies at
Concordia University, Japan Foundation Fellow 1991-92, and the author of
Margaret Laurence: The Long Journey Home and As Though Life Mattered:
Leo Kennedy’s Story.

As James Raffan’s foreword notes, this fine tribute to Canada’s
Heritage Rivers evolved out of the rich experiences of a wide assortment
of writers, photographers, and voyageurs, “dreamers all, united by
shared belief in the value of Canadian rivers.”

Specifically, the book celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Canadian
Heritage River System (CHRS), which strives to rouse national
recognition and protection for the rivers of Canada. The editor has
gathered together lively essays (19 of them by singer, storyteller, and
geographer Lynn Noel) on some three dozen Heritage Rivers.
Well-illustrated and moving freely between historical and contemporary
perspectives, the essays provide a strong feel for the past and for the
problems of the future. Also included in the book are Native legends and
poems, along with many small maps and ink drawings by wilderness artist
Hap Wilson, and an extensive bibliography.

This handsome and informative volume would make an excellent choice for
school and home libraries.