Written by Bernice Trick
Citizen staff
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Monday, 29 June 2009 |
The story of the first beginnings of British Columbia in Fort St. James and the north central interior has been published just in time for Canada Day.
The book, Fort St. James and New Caledonia. Where British Columbia Began, is written by Victoria author Marie Elliott who offers rare glimpses into the lives and times of the first fur traders.
Her book is a step back in time to the days when starvation was a daily threat, travel was by water complemented by tough-terrain portaging of rivers, and rivalry and antagonism between the Hudson's Bay Co and the North West fur trade companies sometimes led to murderous consequences.
One such grievous incident involved a double murder that happened right in our own neigbourhood at Fort George, now marked only by Fort George Park and Exploration Place.
Readers will learn about such mysterious happenings as lives swept away by the rapid Fort George Canyon and malaria fever, and come across familiar names like Tete Jaune, Metis-Iroquois Pierre Bostonais, known for his blond-streaked hair, Peter Warren Dease (Dease Lake) and Donald Manson (Manson Creek), who were both once in charge of Fort St. James.
The book fills in the record previously silent on the day-to-day activities of the people and companies integral to the history of B.C., and creating a valuable addition to the literature of the province.
Elliott will be in Prince George on July 7 to present a slide show and participate in a book-signing event. She'll be at the public library from 7 to 8:30 p.m. where her book will be sold by Books and Co.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 29 June 2009 )
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