John Tootoosis is an important, exciting book for our society today. It is not only about a man; it is about history in the making -- from an Indian viewpoint. Too often only one side has been told. How our successive government administrations have dealt with the Aboriginal peoples of Canada is sometimes shocking. John Tootoosis, in sharing his life story, is honest and direct. This book, with its many revelations, was never written, or told, with the intention of arousing guilt but rather to make all readers aware of what happened in the past, so all can work for a better future.

Jean Goodwill is the daughter of John Tootoosi and one his greatest admirers. It was her concern that both Indian and non-Indian people know about the Indian leaders who built the foundation of Indian organization. it took her two years to convince her father, John Tootoosis, to tell his story. Johns story was taped -- in Cree. Jean transcribed the tapes and Norma wrote. It is thanks to Jean Goodwills own sense of commitment and determination that this important book came to be.

Norma Sluman is the author of Poundmaker and Blackfoot Crossing. When Norma was working at the Winnipeg Friendship Centre, she met Jean Goodwill. It tok them six years to complete the biography of the Cree Leader, John Tootoosis. The authors travelled extensively, sometimes to follow John for his story or to consult with each other.