Gumption & Grit is the first in a brand new series being introduced by Caitlin Press which will showcase women of BC: their lives, their successes, their history.

In 2002 the Williams Lake Women's Contact Society posted a request for pioneer stories of the women of the Cariboo Chilcotin. What they received was an overwhelming number of tales of hardship, faith, adversity, endurance and accomplishment. These women were mothers, trappers, schoolteachers, outfitters, ranchers and homesteaders. Gumption & Grit contains more than 35 stories, including the tragic tale of Chiwid, a battered Tsilhqot'in woman who lived off the land as a recluse from society for more than 50 years; Gerrie Bracewell, who ranched in the "soft season" and guided big game hunters through some of the most dangerous and treacherous country of the Chilcotin; and Doreen Armes, who hopped on a steam locomotive in 1929 at the tender age of 18, leaving behind the comforts of the big city to become the first schoolteacher in Dog Creek's one-room schoolhouse. These stories are heartfelt and honest, and will resonate with the experiences of all women of this land.

Sage Birchwater has been a resident of the Cariboo Chilcotin Central Coast region since 1973. Originally from Victoria, he has led a varied life as a back-to-the-lander, trapper, ranch hand, educator, cultural researcher, community activist, newspaper reporter and freelance journalist. He has authored/co-authored/edited 13 books. His most recent book Chilcotin Chronicles (Caitlin Press 2017) was third on the 2017 BC Bestsellers list.

Sage has lived communally in the Cariboo, spent ten years on a remote Chilcotin trapline, raised two sons "born in the bush" and is the grandfather of seven. He currently makes his home in Williams Lake with his companion Caterina.

Sage Birchwater's profile page

Gumption and Grit: Women of the Cariboo Chilcotin

This book contains 35 stories of endurance, grit and determination. Divided into three sections: Early Days, Coming Later and Coping, it reveals changing social conditions. The first section recounts stories of women who became ranchers and guide outfitters, who raced horses, lived in isolation and who endured traumatic childbirths. First Nations women are highlighted in this section as being independent, wise matriarchs. In the second section a teacher, aviation business owner, artist and RCMP officer, are featured; their stories reflect the gumption needed in this corner of BC. The last section contains biographies and autobiographies of women who suffered from alcoholism, debilitating diseases, and sexual and physical abuse. This is the first volume of the Extraordinary Women series.

Gumption and Grit: Women of the Cariboo Chilcotin

This book contains 35 stories of endurance, grit and determination. Divided into three sections: Early Days, Coming Later and Coping, it reveals changing social conditions. The first section recounts stories of women who became ranchers and guide outfitters, who raced horses, lived in isolation and who endured traumatic childbirths. First Nations women are highlighted in this section as being independent, wise matriarchs. In the second section a teacher, aviation business owner, artist and RCMP officer, are featured; their stories reflect the gumption needed in this corner of BC. The last section contains biographies and autobiographies of women who suffered from alcoholism, debilitating diseases, and sexual and physical abuse. This is the first volume of the Extraordinary Women series.