In a monumental moment in literary history, the Collected Works of Canon Edward Ahenakew (vol. 1) brings together two semi-autobiographical stories, Old Keyam and the never-before-published Black Hawk.

Written during the early twentieth century, Old Keyam and Black Hawk are semi-autobiographical stories told in the charming, insightful voice of Canon Edward Ahenakew. Through the fictional character Old Keyam, Ahenakew protests against the colonial settler’s attempts to force the Cree peoples into “civilization.” Despite the pained and angry voice of Old Keyam, the story is also at once humorous and satirical.

Following Old Keyam is the never-before-published Black Hawk. It tells the story of a young Cree man who, despite being a Christian, experiences discrimination as he navigates the changing society in Canada at the start of the 20th century, including the pass system and boarding school (residential school). Readers will discover a beautiful, charming love story as Black Hawk navigates the joy and pain of a budding romance.

Dr. Canon Edward Ahenakew (1885–1961) was a Cree Anglican minister, writer, storyteller, and preserver of the Cree language. Born on the Sandy Lake Indian Reserve (now the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation) to Baptiste Ahenakew and Ellen Ermineskin, his contribution to Cree literature is foundational and widely respected.

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While growing up, Heather Hodgson (of Cree ancestry on her mother’s side) was told many stories about her great uncle Edward Ahenakew from her late mother and extended Ahenakew and Pratt families. She is the editor of Seventh Generation: Contemporary Native Writing, The Great Gift of Tears, and Saskatchewan Writers: Lives Past and Present. She currently resides in Regina, Saskatchewan.

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"In our lives, there are heroes, role models and mentors who teach us, give us aha moments, inspire us to reach higher, think creatively and critically. To be fearless in our work to decolonize our world and create mayo pimahtisowin for ourselves, our children, and the generations who will come. Such a man was Edward Ahenakew. Using the only tools available to his generation in a time of great oppression, and change, he took on the role of priest to preserve, the language, stories, culture, history and spirituality of our people." —Maria Campbell, author of Halfbreed