Acknowledgments

How many people can contribute to a person’s life story? There obviously is overwhelming gratitude on my part for the large number of people who have helped me on life’s path and to achieve a relatively successful career. Outstanding among these is Eric Harvie, who gave me a chance to contribute to his organization and at the same time fulfill my fondest dreams. He did not help me to write this book, but without him this book would not have been possible. Similarly, Pauline, my wife of fifty-seven years, introduced me to her wonderful family and to a distinctive culture that was so different from anything I had ever experienced in my boyhood. In addition, her support of her writer-husband called for years of patience and forbearance. Then there is my mother, who taught me to be independent and encouraged me to be creative.

My father-in-law, Senator James Gladstone, was my mentor and friend. He was so well respected in the Native community that his very name opened doors for me. Through him I came to know and admire such people as Sinew Feet, Jack Low Horn, Bobtail Chief, Percy Plain Woman, Jennie Duck Chief, and many other elders of the past. In the political field there was Ralph Steinhauer (later lieutenant-governor), John Samson Jr., Howard Beebe, John Laurie, Dave and Daisy Crowchild, and Albert Lightning, while at the personal level, lifetime friendships were forged with Irene and Gerald Tailfeathers, Everett Soop, Muriel and Peter Many Wounds, and Jack and Marge Ewers.

I don’t know if I ever really contemplated writing an autobiography, but as I’ve always been an inveterate diary keeper and packrat such an end might have been inevitable. When the decision was made I turned to the Glenbow Library and Archives to provide the necessary documentation for such a project. Doug Cass and Lindsay Moir were unceasing in their support, as were their staff. In some instances I went farther afield, but it was amazing how much information was in filing cabinets right in my own basement.

In the end, this book turned out to be a labour of love, or perhaps ego, for I have never ceased to be amazed that the words I feed into the computer would willingly be read by other people.

Calgary, January 23, 2010