Since my maternal grandfather was a fur trapper, when I came across the book by Leonard G. Flett about his life also as a trapper, along with his grandfather and great-grandfather, I could not resist purchasing From the Barren Lands, a memoir about the First Nations and the fur trade, which I am reviewing today.
Title: From the Barren Lands
Series: N/A
Author: Leonard G. Flett
Genre: Memoir, Autobiography, First Nations
Length: 328 pages
Release Date: November 1, 2015
Blurb: This is a story about the fur trade and First Nations, and the development of northern Canada, seen and experienced not only through Leonard Flett’s eyes, but also through the eyes of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
The lives of indigenous people in remote areas of northern Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan in the 1960s and 1970s are examined in detail. Flett’s successful career with both the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North West Company provides an insight into the dying days of the fur trade and the rise of a new retail business tailored to First Nations.
Available at:
Kobo | Amazon | Great Plains Publications | Indigo | McNally Robinson
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Since I’m Ojibway and come from a “fur trade” area rich in history of the voyageurs, North West Company, and HBC, along with my maternal grandfather engaged in fur trapping up until his passing, when I saw this memoir, I snatched it up to read. The author did not disappoint.
I love reading everything I can about the fur trade. The author takes us back in history when recounting the memories of his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father—all involved in the fur trade. These were the highlights of the book for me. Through the author’s words, I got to know some fine men who were devoted to their families and carving out a living to feed their families.
Since the author is my father’s age, reading about another First Nations man who grew up during the 1940s was wonderful. There is so much in common that made me go “aha” as I read, such as the hammock swing above his parent’s sleeping spot that they would push whenever the author fussed as a baby, because I, too, also slept in a hammock swing, bundled tight like I was in a moss bag my parents told me.
I not only learned how the system worked within the HBC but also read about the First Nations communities that are further north than me. The author takes you back to his childhood up until his retirement. The stories he tells are so interesting to read. Not only was this man determined to become just as good as his predecessors at the fur trade, but he wanted to bring positivity to the communities where he managed his various HBC stores. He also shares amusing stories, along with some sad ones.
This is more than about the fur trade; the book is about a First Nations man raised in the surroundings of the HBC and how it propelled his life. He shares much history and his dedication to ensure both sides (First Nations and the company) received fair treatment.
Yes, a few stories did bog down the flow of the novel, but patience is a must because elders do get a little long-winded when telling a tale, LOL. However, each story was refreshing to hear. Do yourself a favour and get a copy. Learn about the author’s loyalty to the company, his own people, and family while balancing two worlds: Indigenous and non-indigenous.
Maggie Blackbird 