Raven's Cry

This is a Canadian classic, a history of the Haida people of Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands) off the northern coast of British Columbia. Published in 1966, it is a fictionalized retelling of the near destruction of the Haida nation. In 1775 when explorers in search of the Northwest Passage came across the islands they picked up some otter pelts that they discovered brought fabulous sums of money in China, so much that Captain Cook's sailors threatened mutiny if he did not return for more. For the exchange of an item of nominal worth, a chisel or a few glass beads, the profit was unbelievable. In China they filled the empty holds with tea, silk and porcelain to sell in their home ports thus making even more show more money. English and Americans rushed to the fur trade. Naturally, with such potential wealth accessible, greed and trading practices became ruthless. With the added threat of disease brought to them, the Haida nation suffered almost to the point of extinction. Following on that disaster missionaries and colonial law attempted to wipe out their rich culture. Christie's fictional history follows the ancestors of real life Charles Edenshaw, one of the great Haida artists whose carvings were exquisite. Illustrated by Bill Reid who is another creator of superb Haida art. This is an excellent book and one of the best on the topic. show less