When We Both Got to Heaven: James Atkey Among the Anishnabek at Colpoy's Bay

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Dundurn, Oct 8, 2002 - History - 164 pages

When We Both Got to Heaven places James Atkey (1805-1868) on the shores of Georgian Bay at the time of treaty negotiations between the First Nations people of the Saugeen, Nawash and Colpoy's Bay areas, and the Colonial government. A Methodist lay preacher, Atkey leaves the Isle of Wight and arrives at Colpoy's Bay with his family in 1855. There he takes up the position of teacher for the Anishnaube children of the area.

The great-great-great-grandson of James Atkey, author Mel Atkey engaged in extensive research of both primary and secondary sources. His efforts provide considerable insight into both the influence of Wesleyan Methodism of the time and the background context of the treaty negotiations that ultimately led to the surrender of much of the Saugeen Peninsula for pioneer settlement. People with leadership roles of the past, such as Chief Kegedonce, Kahkewaquonaby (Rev. Peter Jones), Laurence Oliphant and Sir Francis Bond Head, as well as many others, are part of Atkey's story.

Reverend Maggie McLeod of the Cape Croker United Church provides a thoughtful Foreword. This quite remarkable book is a compelling read for those interested in Ontario history, First Nations history, genealogy and the role of religion at the time of European settlement.

From inside the book

Contents

Chapter 1 The Puckered Moccasin People
1
Chapter 2 Poor Plain Artless Society
14
Chapter 3 The Gentle Craft
27
Chapter 4 Called of by God
33
Chapter 5 From the Woods of Canada
39
Chapter 6 The Men Who Wear Hats
45
Chapter 7 Doing Good on a Grand Scale
50
Chapter 8 Conduct Partial
55
Chapter 13 Father Atkey
94
Chapter 14 Paternal Care
101
Chapter 15 The Purchased Possession
118
Chapter 16 Ointment Poured Forth
136
Appendix ITime Line
144
Atkey Family Tree
145
Notes
148
Bibliography
156

Chapter 9 A Leap in the Dark
60
Chapter 10 The Land Before Your Sight
67
Chapter 11 Salvation Corners
75
Chapter 12 Bay of Muskrats
86
Index
158
About the Author
164
Copyright

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About the author (2002)

Mel Atkey has been writing musicals ever since he was in high school in his native Vancouver. His work has been shortlisted for the Vivian Ellis Prize, the Quest for New Musicals, the Ken Hill Prize and Musical Stairs. His first musical, Shikara, was produced on radio in Canada. 

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