The life and times of the Premier from Red River

John Norquay, orphan and prodigy, was a leader among the Scots Cree peoples of western Canada. Born in the Red River Settlement, he farmed, hunted, traded, and taught school before becoming a legislator, cabinet minister, and, from 1878 to 1887, premier of Manitoba.

Once described as Louis Riel’s alter ego, he skirmished with prime minister John A. Macdonald, clashed with railway baron George Stephen, and endured racist taunts while championing the interests of the Prairie West in battles with investment bankers, Ottawa politicians, and the CPR. His contributions to the development of Canada’s federal system and his dealings with issues of race and racism deserve attention today.

Recounted here by Canadian historian Gerald Friesen, Norquay’s life story ignites contemporary conversations around the nature of empire and Canada’s own imperial past. Drawing extensively on recently opened letters and financial papers that offer new insights into his business, family, and political life, Friesen reveals Norquay to be a thoughtful statesman and generous patriarch. This masterful biography of the Premier from Red River sheds welcome light on a neglected historical figure and a tumultuous time for Canada and Manitoba.

Gerald Friesen taught Canadian history at the University of Manitoba from 1970–2011. He has written several books, including The Canadian Prairies: A History and Citizens and Nation, and is co-author of Immigrants in Prairie Cities. Former president of the Canadian Historical Association, he was an advisor on CBC-Radio Canada’s television series Canada: A People’s History. He lives in Winnipeg.

Gerald Friesen's profile page

"This is an impressive book. It’s a handbook to understand the emerging political culture of Manitoba, and it gives an entertaining sense of the frontier rudeness of the times. Friesen's work can be considered a wonderful description of the mechanics of federal-provincial bargaining in the early years of Confederation."

Prairie History

“Gerald Friesen does a commendable job of weaving several different overlapping stories into a compelling and lucid account, and the result is as rounded an understanding of John Norquay the person as is likely possible. Having long had his own building, mountain, and town, Canada's first Indigenous premier finally has a biography that does him justice.”

Literary Review of Canada

"Most readers of this meticulously researched biography will find the words on the Norquay memorial at Winnipeg's St. John's Cathedral moving and close to the truth: 'By his sudden death his native land lost an eloquent speaker, an honest statesman and a true friend.'"

Winnipeg Free Press

"The Honourable John Norquay offers a look into the personal and political life of a man whose contributions have gone largely unheeded. Friesen presents a life and times of John Norquay that is meticulously researched and that is often presented in Norquay’s own words. In doing so, he gives the 'engaging ally' and 'loving family man' overdue standing in the annals of Canadian history."

Canada's History

"The Honourable John Norquay benefits from its author’s comprehensive research, deep knowledge of Manitoba’s history and straightforward prose, and from his clear and justified respect for a premier who governed during a period of rapid expansion and deep divisions. Gerald Friesen has given us an admirable biography of an admirable statesman who contributed much to his province and to Canada."

The Globe and Mail