If Only the Rod Had Been Round [signed] [first edition]

While the nun beat little Bridget nightly for wetting the bed, Bridget wished, "If only the rod had been round." Perhaps a round rod wouldn't hurt as much as sharp edges of the rod leaving welts and bruises up and down her back and legs. At her school 250 miles from home, nuns tried to teach indigenous children they were savages with no soul, but Bridget kept her spirit. In the appendix are Prime Minister Stephen Harper's 2008 apology in Parliament to Canada's indigenous people and response by National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Phil Fontaine. One of few published indigenous autobiographers, Bridget tells her story with grace and dignity. Excitement of her father as North-West Mounted Policeman in 1880's; rich culture and history of her mother's Dene' nation, and descriptions of Fort Simpson and Fort Good Hope in NWT provide background. An agent who cared, Papa, the Famous Flynn Harris, spoke 17 languages when Commissioner of Treaty 11 along Mackenzie River's 2,500 miles. About the Author: Bridget Harris Volden middle of eleven children cared for parents and then younger siblings left without support after her father's death. Bridget faced her fears finding work and living arrangements in Edmonton. Abandoned by her first husband in strange surroundings of New York City, Bridget learned new work and coping skills. Invited by her sister to Minneapolis, Bridget left her past behind. After marriage to Bill Volden, Bridget discovered Jesus' love and help from AA to fight alcohol. She gave back to her community by helping found The American Indian Bible Fellowship that she directed in downtown Minneapolis for ten years. At 90 Bridget is still actively contributing her father's Irish humor, her mother's gentleness, and the rich history and culture of her Dene' nation.