Three Hundred Years in Thirty

"In his memoir, Nicholas Smith has done something rarely experienced by others in recent times. Because of his deep interest in the original citizens of North America, particularly the northern Cree of Quebec, he has gone and lived among them, entering with intense interest and total commitment to their ancient way of life.The results of this unique experience he shares with us in this insightful and fascinating account. Dr. Smith takes the reader right into the heart of the Canadian wilderness to dwell with the Mistassini and Waswanipi Cree as they go about their life as entrepreneurs of the Hudson's Bay Company.In the course of this intriguing book we are introduced to a way of life that molded and shaped the Mistassini and Waswanipi Cree into a proud, wise, and resolute First Nations people with a most colourful history and attachment to the exciting days of the fur trade. Many individuals play a significant role in the story, among them, Hudson's Company officers, missionary clergy, and notable Cree leaders.This is an engrossing book to be enjoyed by all who travel its pages. It is also an important historical document to be treasured by the northern Cree as a vivid portrayal and recollection of their old way of life and history.The story is well told by a good man who greatly admired and esteemed them.—James Scanlon, Sometime “inlander,” Formerly Archdeacon of James Bay

Nicholas N. Smith was born in Malden, MA in 1926. After serving in the 9th Air Force in Europe during WWII, he received his BA in history from the University of Maine and a library science degree from Columbia University. His advisor at UM suggested that he study Maine Indian history. His research in this fascinating subject has taken him to universities and special libraries in the U.S., Canada, England, and Germany. He is the author of many papers concerning the Wabanaki and the Cree of Lake Mistassini in Northern Quebec. He and his wife Edyth live in Brunswick, Maine.