New Book Release Today: Citizen, Settler, Soldier, Scoundrel
Today, I’m excited to announce the launch of my new book, Citizen, Settler, Soldier, Scoundrel, published by Double Dagger Books. This work examines the transformative role played by the Canadian militia in the Red River region during one of the most pivotal periods in Manitoba’s history.
In 1870, what is now Manitoba was a vibrant, predominantly Francophone Roman Catholic Métis society with an economy centered on the bison fur trade. By 1885, however, the province's cultural makeup had dramatically shifted, morphing into a predominantly Anglophone Protestant society with Ontario's agricultural economy transplanted to its prairies. What forces drove this remarkable change?
Citizen, Settler, Soldier, Scoundrel investigates how the Canadian militia catalyzed this societal transformation. Tasked with providing security for new settlers, the militia served not only as a protective force but as a symbol of Dominion and Imperial authority. Through their presence, they imported Ontario's social norms, customs, and traditions. Yet, this change was often forced, and at times violent, leading many Métis and Francophone inhabitants to leave the area. The book delves into both the achievements and the darker realities of this period—exploring the ways in which the permanent and later non-permanent Active Militia shaped the cultural landscape of Manitoba.
This is a story of resilience, identity, and the complexity of nation-building. To learn more, Citizen, Settler, Soldier, Scoundrel is now available on Amazon. I hope you’ll join me in exploring this critical chapter in our nation’s history.
👉 Get your copy today on Amazon here: https://a.co/d/6Y8cog2
📚 Published by Double Dagger Books