Waking Nanabijou: Uncovering a Secret Past

Waking Nanabijou is an outstanding piece of work, beautifully crafted and meticulously researched. More than that, it is clearly the product of a wonderful labour of love. The rich details of Jim Poling Sr.'s close family life as a youngster in northern Ontario are particularly rich in warmth and drama. Some readers may guess the secret that is the book's foundation before the author reveals it. Nevertheless, Poling's story line about following old trails until he came to the truth reads like a great mystery novel. The final chapter of Waking Nanabijou is disturbing in its unvarnished clarity about the stark situation facing Canada's First Peoples. Poling raises many questions here. They deserve answers.