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Mattie Mitchell: Newfoundland's Greatest Frontiersman
An adventure story from award-winning author Gary Collins: Newfoundland’s Favourite Storyteller!
“There is a feeling that comes to one who goes unafraid into the wilderness. For the very few who experience it comes a sense of belonging; of being a fragile part of the mysterious whole; of profound peace; of wanting never to leave,” says Gary Collins in describing the inspiration that overtook him when he penned the final pages in this, the biography of Mattie Mitchell, a hunter, trapper, and guide of Mi’kmaq descent whose daring feats became known worldwide, but which history books somehow forgot.
In researching the life and times of Mattie Mitchell, critically acclaimed author Gary Collins (author of the award-winning What Colour is the Ocean?) gleaned much insight on his subject from the diary and other personal papers of Marie Sparkes, granddaughter to the remarkable Mi’kmaq woodsman. Now, for the first time, Mattie Mitchell's legendary deeds are revealed in full, comprehensive detail.
In 1998, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognized Mattie Mitchell’s contribution to the growth and prosperity of the province by opening its Mattie Mitchell Prospectors Resource Room. In 2001, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recognized Mattie Mitchell as a person of national historic significance. In 2005, a plaque in Mattie Mitchell’s honour was placed in Gros Morne National Park.
“There is a feeling that comes to one who goes unafraid into the wilderness. For the very few who experience it comes a sense of belonging; of being a fragile part of the mysterious whole; of profound peace; of wanting never to leave,” says Gary Collins in describing the inspiration that overtook him when he penned the final pages in this, the biography of Mattie Mitchell, a hunter, trapper, and guide of Mi’kmaq descent whose daring feats became known worldwide, but which history books somehow forgot.
In researching the life and times of Mattie Mitchell, critically acclaimed author Gary Collins (author of the award-winning What Colour is the Ocean?) gleaned much insight on his subject from the diary and other personal papers of Marie Sparkes, granddaughter to the remarkable Mi’kmaq woodsman. Now, for the first time, Mattie Mitchell's legendary deeds are revealed in full, comprehensive detail.
In 1998, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognized Mattie Mitchell’s contribution to the growth and prosperity of the province by opening its Mattie Mitchell Prospectors Resource Room. In 2001, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada recognized Mattie Mitchell as a person of national historic significance. In 2005, a plaque in Mattie Mitchell’s honour was placed in Gros Morne National Park.
227 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2011
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Gary Collins
15 books13 followersGary Collins was born in Hare Bay, Bonavista North. He spent forty years in the logging and sawmilling business with his father, Theophilus, and son Clint. Gary was once Newfoundland's youngest fisheries guardian. He managed log drives down spring rivers for years, spent seven seasons driving tractor-trailers over ice roads and the Beaufort Sea of Canada's Western Arctic, and has been involved in the crab, lobster, and cod commercial fisheries. In 2016, he joined the Canadian Rangers.
Gary's writing career began when he was asked to write eulogies for deceased friends and family. Now a critically acclaimed author, he has written twelve books, including the children's illustrated book What Colour is the Ocean?, which he co-wrote with his granddaughter, Maggie Rose Parsons. That book won an Atlantic Book Award: The Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration. His book Mattie Mitchell: Newfoundland's Greatest Frontiersman has been adapted for film. His first novel, The Last Beothuk, won the inaugural NL Reads literary competition, administered by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Gary Collins is Newfoundland and Labrador's favourite storyteller, and today he is known all over the province as "the Story Man." His favourite pastimes are reading, writing, and playing guitar at his log cabin. He lives in Hare Bay, Newfoundland, with his wife, the former Rose Gill. They have three children and three grandchildren
Gary's writing career began when he was asked to write eulogies for deceased friends and family. Now a critically acclaimed author, he has written twelve books, including the children's illustrated book What Colour is the Ocean?, which he co-wrote with his granddaughter, Maggie Rose Parsons. That book won an Atlantic Book Award: The Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Excellence in Illustration. His book Mattie Mitchell: Newfoundland's Greatest Frontiersman has been adapted for film. His first novel, The Last Beothuk, won the inaugural NL Reads literary competition, administered by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
Gary Collins is Newfoundland and Labrador's favourite storyteller, and today he is known all over the province as "the Story Man." His favourite pastimes are reading, writing, and playing guitar at his log cabin. He lives in Hare Bay, Newfoundland, with his wife, the former Rose Gill. They have three children and three grandchildren
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 14, 2015
This was my second attempt at reading this book. Having discovered my mi'kmaq ancestry, as well as knowing about Mattie Mitchell and his treks through my hometowns, I really wanted to read this. I found a section in the beginning a little hard to follow, which is probably why I stopped reading the first time. However, this time I made it through and loved the book! I think Gary Collins did a excellent job in his research and a wonderful job in bringing Mattie's story to life.
April 17, 2015
This book is the best book I have ever read dealing with the subject and the story that is outlined in this book, I enjoyed every hour that it took me to read this book, and I would recommend it especially to any Newfoundlander who wants to know about the history of fishing, hunting, trapping, and enjoying the great outdoors of our beautiful Island of Newfoundland, Canada. Edward J Legge
May 2, 2012
"[Gary Collins] weaves the various threads of the story into a marvellous yarn – all the more marvellous because it is true." -- Northeast Avalon Times
August 15, 2012
Picked this up at the Gros Morne National Park visitor centre in Newfoundland. It was a great little collection of stories. Lots of really cool information about the areas I was visiting.
September 20, 2014
Read during my trip to Newfoundland. An amazing man.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews