Bridges Over Fences

This book presents a collection of stories about the early settlers of the Canadian prairies, and their interactions with the First Nations residents they encountered. These tales are snapshots of life in a time when the national plan to settle the land gave privilege and protection to new immigrants, while relegating the first residents of the land to subjugation, subservience and poverty. In spite of these pressures, the common theme of these stories demonstrates that the natural tendency of human nature is to ‘get along’.



Through the voices of the storytellers, these tales illustrate a human dimension to the cross-cultural interactions that is down to earth, sometimes sobering and occasionally humorous. When tied to the government policies of the day through the accompanying story notes and appendices, they paint an evocative portrait of a vital and pivotal period in Western Canadian history.



The intent of this collection is to show the reader that common human need and increased understanding can provide the impetus that helps break down barriers between cultures.