This book would not have been written without these words of encouragement from my family: “Go for it, Mum.” Thank you, Gordon, Craig, Dan and Laura. My granddaughter, Clara, was my first young reader, and I thank her for her quick eye and hearty endorsement. Friends and extended family have also encouraged me and I am grateful. Writing groups both in Victoria and in Calgary contributed invaluable research, comments, enthusiasm and interest over the story’s long gestation. The Banff Centre for the Arts gave me space to write, as did Yellow Point Lodge. Thanks go also to the helpful people in the museums in York and Rye, for filling in some of the gaps. Betty Jane Hegerat provided me with close reads, sensitive feedback and constant encouragement, and I thank her. And lastly, thanks to the folks at Orca Book Publishers who thought Catla should have her story told, and to editor, Sarah Harvey, for seeing me through the process.