Synopsis
History turns into mystery when Halikium Wade Baker, from the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw starts to research a distant ancestor, Third Lieutenant Joseph Baker, mapmaker on Captain Vancouver's ship HMS Discovery. Intergenerational knowledge experts share about the land, the important role of Indigenous women in decision making, and royal ancestral leadership before the colonial mapping lines were drawn. . Memories passed on from Senlháliya (Grannie Lizzie) and many other Coast Salish and Hawaiian elders lead to authentic stories about the Kings, Queens and Siýáms in their kingdoms, and their long term relationships of equal status with Captain Vancouver and his officers.
When the authors began their research, they did not realize how extensively this important Pacific West Coast history had been erased. Many years of conversations with extended family, as well as over 10 years of primary archival research in museums and libraries around the world, uncovered a very different Captain Vancouver than the person described in mainstream written history. The oral knowledge and stories are interwoven with information from primary journals and logbooks found in museums around the world. The reader will follow the author's journey through Vancouver, Victoria, London, England and Maui to uncover the unedited story of Capt. Vancouver and his mapmaker. This book will reveal stories and narratives about the respectful and high level social, trading and cultural relationships between the British officers and the local Kings, Queens and Siýáms (Chiefs) that are compelling, moving and insightful. This book will forever change how you think about the Indigenous people and their history, and brings understanding to the profound effects that the later distortions of those times had on the subconscious beliefs carried today. This reclaims a family story that was lost from written history. It is a story of land, love, legacy and connection across cultures. The book is an invitation to consider transformative change and meaningful solutions.
A new chapter on Reconciliation has been added by the authors in this updated version, as well as 22 questions for discussion for teachers for curriculum planning.
Reviews:
"The Hidden Journals describes the story of a Coast Salish family dedicated to researching their family lineage through archival records & images. Moreover the story describes the complex process, problems & feelings Indigenous families and communities experience when navigating western spaces holding significant and valuable documents related to our own identities. As a young Indigenous woman an researcher dedicated to a career in museum repatriation & archival studies, this story has contributed to the emotional armour I and many Indigenous people must build to work in historically colonized spaces."
Kalila, Jordan Dawson, Indigenous archivist
Skwxwú7mesh Uxwumixw & Musgamaga Dzawada'enuxw
"I enjoyed the weaving in and out of the current and historical stories, the authors interjections of personal recollections and the fluid shifts between narrators and time. The book really brings to light dark underlying political concerns o the British Admiralty at the time and shows how subversive forces likely suppressed access to Captain Vancouver's subtle insights into the importance of intercultural relationships. The books is a great combination of learning and historical detective work. "
Richard Walton, MA, FCA
Former Mayor, District of North Vancouver
"Primary records, images, oral stories, literary imagination and personal interviews come together seamlessly. The story is an exploration of the Baker family history on one hand, but also a reconsideration of history, another interpretation that is a welcome alternative to official histories we all grew up with in British Columbia.
Joe Desjarlais, Principal NWC Consulting, North Vancouver
About the Authors
Mary Tasi was born in England, and immigrated to Canada in 1967. She was educated at the University of Waterloo as an urban planner and spent over 20 years in the urban design and research field. She has also spent over 20 years within indigenous communities listening to oral stories of ancient times. She is co-founder of Sky Spirit Studio: Art Images, a public art and urban design firm specializing in historical community projects.
Wade Baker is a Coast Salish author and artist, descended from the Chief Capilano who met Captain George Vancouver in 1792 in the present day Vancouver. Wade was born in Vancouver in 1956, and is also descended from Kwakiutl and Tlingit (Alaskan) Chieftanships, as well as Hudson Bay Fur Traders and Lieutenant Joseph Baker, Royal Navy Officer. Wade was chosen by the Royal Canadian Mint to design a coin for Canada in 2,000, and he has won many awards including the 2013 Public Art Award of Excellence from the City of North Vancouver in 2013. He specializes in educational cultural storytelling, sharing the many legends of his ancestry with international tourists and students.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
