James Evans -- 1801-1846, Missions -- Canadian Northwest, Methodist Church -- Missions, Canadian Northwest -- History, Missions, Canada -- Canadian Northwest, Cree syllabary -- History, Cree syllabary 

"When jealousy, intrigue, rumours of immorality and strained relations with the Hudson's Bay Company brought about James Evans' recall from Norway House in 1846, he left the country and people he loved, never to return. Yet the work he did as pioneer teacher, healer, preacher and inventor, made him one of the most forceful figures in the development of Canada's Northwest.

The James Evans Story is the factual and moving account of a remarkable man; the man who invented Cree syllabics and opened a new world for the northern Indians and Eskimos who were unable to read or write their own language; the man who, with an improvised press, produced Cree literature, carving type from bullets and the lead linings of old tea chests. While his dedicated helpers (one of whom later proved treacherous) carried on the work of translating the Bible into Cree, Evans travelled from Hudson Bay to the Rockies, the lonely Athabasca country, healing, teaching and preaching. Wherever he went he was warmly greeted and quickly gained a reputation as a great medicine man who could make the bark of the birch tree talk.

Author Nan Shipley, using original letters and quotations from diaries and journals of the characters involved, has produced a dramatic, touching story of one of Canada's most vigorous pioneer missionaries."--Book jacket.