Speak to Me in Indian: A Novel [Paperback]

Shane Bearskin, a young Cree man from James Bay, and Theresa Wawati, an Algonquin woman from northern Quebec, are united by a profound love for each other and a visceral attachment to their heritage. Theresa is determined to become a lawyer to defend her Algonquin nation whose lands and way of life are constantly encroached upon. When Theresa is diagnosed with terminal leukemia and given a year to live, they decide to live out their dream of returning to live in the bush like their ancestors and also have a baby. WithSpeak to Me in Indian, David Gidmark has captured the aching beauty of life and the passionate longing for freedom that, despite all odds, breathe hope in human beings worldwide.

"Gidmark has spent years living among the Algonquin people of northern Quebec. His debut novel is a testament to his deep respect and passion for their culture . . . . Richly describing traditional skills and knowledge, . . . [it is] a helpful introduction for readers unaware of the long history of Canada’s oppression of First Nations people." —Publishers Weekly

"InSpeak to Me in Indian, David Gidmark weaves a haunting love story between Shane Bearskin, a Cree man from James Bay, and Theresa Wawati, a young Algonquin woman from Northern Quebec . . . . Gidmark's story is a simply, yet devastatingly beautiful, account of human life which emphasizes the everyday importance of heritage and pride." —Rosanna Haroutounian, lifeinquebec.com

David Gidmarkis the author of 10 books, includingBirchbark Canoe: Living Among the Algonquin, called “a Canadian outdoor classic” by the CBC, andIndian Crafts of William & Mary Commanda. He has written articles for theChicago Tribune, theToronto Star,Reader’s Digest, and many other publications.

This novel explores the hardships and challenges faced by native communities, andl%