Author’s Note

The two Roman Catholic schools in the French-Canadian community of Maillardville, British Columbia, Notre Dame de Fatima and Notre Dame de Lourdes, did go on strike in the spring of 1951 to protest having to pay taxes. After parading through the streets to the town hall, led by their teachers and pastor, Father Ovila Menier, all the students had to attend nearby public schools. Although it was hoped the strike would last for only a few days, it was actually more than a year before a settlement was finally reached and the two parochial schools reopened, allowing the students to return to classes.

Although this novel is based on events that occurred in Maillardville, it is a work of fiction. The characters in the story are imaginary and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

The author wishes to thank, in particular, editor Suzanne Norman for her enthusiastic reading of this book in manuscript and for making helpful suggestions.