From the barren lands

by Leonard G. Flett

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

328 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2015

Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 devoted to their families and carving out a living to feed them.

Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-dwS

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written personal account of an eventful life lived in connection to the Hudson’s Bay Company. A great mix of memorable life moments and valuable historical pieces. This book should be assigned in schools.