ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

In many ways a novel is like a pyramid, with several people laying stones to build up the story. The writer is merely the architect, or perhaps foreman. With that in mind, there are many people to thank who have provided this humble architect/foreman with the raw materials and expertise to construct the story you have just read.

I had the opportunity to work with such people as Alan Collins, James Cullingham and Larry E. Lewis in hammering out the original story, back when I thought it might make a cool movie. Then others joined the bandwagon, showing their support for my storytelling: Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm in the guise of Kegedonce Press, and the Ontario Arts Council, which financially believed in me. Also, the Leighton Artists’ Colony at The Banff Centre. What a place to create!

Then of course, there’s Tom King and Basil Johnston, whose writings about the Trickster helped lay the groundwork for this and countless other books.

A special thanks goes to Helen Hoy, who gave me the clue on how to get to the “bones” of the issue.

The following people provided technical or moral support as I feverishly laboured away: Dan David, Linda Cree, Anita Knott, Kennetch Charlette, Umeek of Ahousaht, the mysterious T. L. Corell, Tom Wilcock—and Michael Schellenberg and Amanda Lewis of Knopf Canada.

And finally, a special thanks goes to the lovely Janine, whose efforts, faith and understanding almost mirrored my own. This is as much her book as mine.