Run Indian Run: The story of Simon Gun-an-noot

by Thomas P. Kelley

Book by Kelley, Thomas P

144 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1972

Reviews

[Carl Van Dam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tragic story of an Indian (Simon Gun-an-noot) in northern BC who was falsely accused of murdering two white men in 1906. Simon had followed the advice of his elders to integrate in the new white society which was changing the ways of his people and had set up a general store. But a jealous and bitter Indian peer of Simon engineered a situation to make it look like Simon was a murderer. As a result, Simon was hunted by police for 13 years. Simon was a master in the wilderness and continually eluded capture, mostly through wilderness experience/knowledge and stamina but also through listening in on the campfire conversations of his pursuers to learn their thoughts/plans! Eventually Simon was acquitted in court after being convinced to give himself up. The remainder of his years back at home were not happy ones as his long absence had taken its toll on his wife and children. Certainly a good read and gives some feel for northern BC history.

[Val Tait]

I haven't read this book but general public fails to realize that one of the men Simon Gunanoot was to have shot was the son of a full Gitxsan woman. Simon knew that. The woman had married a Scottsman from HBC.

I do plan on reading this though. This was to address the long listed note that Simon shot two 'white men'.

[Lorna Stewart]

This was a very good read. Happened about 5hrs from where I grew up.