Adam’s Tree is a fictional account of life on the Cowesses First Nation in Saskatchewan during the 1940’s and 50’s.This period in history finds forces like regulatory policy, World War II, systemic racism, and the long reach of the depression defining reserve life and rural relationships. These short stories are told from the perspective of various characters on the reserve: an Indigenous teenage girl named Sophie, men who return to Cowesses after the war, struggling with untreated and unacknowledged PTSD, settlers like the local school teacher and the “Indian agent”. This book contributes to the dialogue on reconciliation, freeing Indigenous voices during a period of time that is rarely written about. It encourages readers to examine the sources and meaning of today’s inheritance of complex relations.

Gloria Mehlmann grew up on the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan, before striking out to become a public school teacher (1962-1983). Her various careers include serving as a public library trustee and as Director of Aboriginal Education. Mehlmann has been recognized repeatedly for her contributions to educational, aboriginal, and civic initiatives, culminating in the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005. Author of Gifted to Learn, a memoir, 2008. Recipient of an SLTA honorary Lifetime Membership 2004. She is now a full-time writer and lives in Nanoose Bay, BC.

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