Author: Ken Tomilson

4 of 5 stars

Editorial Review by Doreen Burns.

Ken Tomilson takes us on a journey following the life of Ts’uwaas, a native Indian from British Columbia who lives in a village called Metlakatla, the place of the wild roses, now known as Fort Simpson on the edge of the Mackenzie River in Canada.

We follow Ts’uwaas as he comes of age, becomes an Elder and adopts his uncle’s honoured name, Gugweelaks.

I loved in particular how this novel is deeply rooted in the spiritual native American perspective. Ghosts and animal spirits protect and guide their people through their lives. The author delves into the history of the Great Spirit, the foundation of Creation and the genesis of man borne from Elderberry and Tsamsem, the son of the Great Spirit. Customs and rituals are not only a way of life but sacred and protected throughout the generations, a stark contrast to the west on many levels. His retelling of these ancient legends is beautifully written and beautifully simplistic.

Gugweelaks must navigate his changing world, the intrusion of the white man and try to protect his heritage and his people.

He draws from the spirits of nature and conveys the tragedy of his people’s encounter with the white man in a simple and otherworldly style that left me envious for the loss of some of my own tradition and culture.

Despite our advances in technology, convenience living and instant connection all across the globe, we have lost something most hallowed in sacrificing our spiritual side in favour of advancement. The author expresses this concept eloquently in this novel.

Although I found this to be a lengthy read, it is immersive and gives us a valuable insight into a world that is now mostly lost to modern society and sadly becoming beyond the reach of future generations.