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Young Adult Fiction Canada

My Indian

by (author) Saqamaw Mi'sel Joe

read by Sheila O’Neill

Publisher
Breakwater Books Limited
Initial publish date
Oct 2023
Category
Canada
Recommended Age
12 to 17
Recommended Grade
7 to 12
  • Downloadable audio file

    ISBN
    9781778530074
    Publish Date
    Oct 2023
    List Price
    $26.99

Classroom Resources

Where to buy it

Description

In 1822, William Epps Cormack sought the expertise of a guide who could lead him across Newfoundland in search of the last remaining Beothuk camps on the island. In his journals, Cormack refers to his guide only as “My Indian.”

Now, almost two hundred years later, Mi’sel Joe and Sheila O’Neill reclaim the story of Sylvester Joe, the Mi’kmaw guide engaged by Cormack. In a remarkable feat of historical fiction, My Indian follows Sylvester Joe from his birth (in what is now known as Miawpukek First Nation) and early life in his community to his journey across the island with Cormack. But will Sylvester Joe lead Cormack to the Beothuk, or will he protect the Beothuk and lead his colonial explorer away?

In rewriting the narrative of Cormack’s journey from the perspective of his Mi’kmaw guide, My Indian reclaims Sylvester Joe’s identity.

About the authors

Contributor Notes

SAQAMAW MI’SEL JOE, LL. D, CM, is the author of Muinji'j Becomes a Man and An Aboriginal Chief’s Journey. He has been the District Traditional Chief of Miawpukek First Nation since 1983, appointed by the late Grand Chief Donald Marshall. Mi’sel Joe is considered the Spiritual Chief of the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

SHEILA O'NEILL, B.A., B.Ed., is from Kippens, NL, and is a member of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. Sheila is a Drum Carrier and carries many teachings passed down by respected Elders. As a founding member and past president of the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network (NAWN), she has been part of a grassroots movement of empowerment of Indigenous women within the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. She lives in St. John’s.

Editorial Reviews

My Indian is an essential resource on Newfoundland & Labrador Indigenous history.” — Joan Sullivan, The Telegram

“This novel gives readers wonderful details about Newfoundland’s history, topography, climate, weather, and Indigenous peoples. It is also a strong reminder of our responsibility to our environment.” — Myra Junyk

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