Harry Assu, a chief of the Lekwiltok -- the southernmost tribe of the Kwagiulth Nation -- was born in 1905 in Cape Mudge, Quadra Island, British Columbia. His father was Billy Assu, one of the most renowned chiefs of the Northwest, who led his people from a traditional way of life into modern prosperity.

As well as being a family chronicle, Harry Assu's recollections tell the little-known story of the Lekwiltok from legendary times to the present. Drawing on the oral traditions of his people, he narrates the story of the 'Great Flood' which gave sacred sanction to territories settled by them. Hand-drawn and historical maps illustrate his account of coastal alliances and raids by other tribes over the last two centuries and provide an understanding of the current land and sea claims of the Kwagiulth Nation.

Supernatural beings inhabited the worlds of his ancestors and of Assu's boyhood, and he recalls encounters with birds and whales which held particular significance for his family. His description of a more recent experience -- his own potlatch in 1984 -- is perhaps the most complete record of a modern potlatch. As well, his account of the seizure of potlatch regalia in 1922, the jailing of the leaders and the subsequent restoration of these family treasures is a rare view from inside Indian culture.

Harry Assu put his faith in education and welcomed the efforts of teachers sent by the Methodist Missionary Society. He remains an elder and supporter of the United Church at Cape Mudge. Symbolizing the achievement of his tribe in bringing into harmony a traditional culture with commercial fishing, in which he was involved for sixty years, Harry Assu reminisces about the old cannery days on the coast and tells of the continuing struggle by his people to maintain a place in the modern fishing industry.

Assu of Cape Mudge is illustrated with drawings of supernatural events by artist and author Hilary Stewart which were drawn near Cape Mudge while Harry Assu described the dramatic occurrences. The Kwakwala words have been transcribed by Peter Wilson, with a full record of language association, meaning, and optional spellings. Also included in the book and of general interest are an appendix of ancient tales told by the Lekwiltok and a genealogical chart of the Assu family.

This personal memoir by an important Native leader of British Columbia will delight anthropologists, historians, and all those with an interest in Native studies and autobiography.

Joy Inglis' profile page

Harry Assu's profile page

• Winner, Special Commendation Award for superior production of an indigenous oral history, American Society for Ethnohistory

Harry Assu was the first elected Chief Councillor of the We-Wai-Kai band at Cape Mudge, where he still resides. He continues to promote preservation of the Kwagiulth traditions he learned in his youth. Joy Inglis is a specialist in coastal Indian culture, with a particular interest in the art, myth, and ceremony of the Kwagiulth Nation. She has lived on Quadra Island since 1974 and frequently teaches continuing education courses.