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My Indian
***2022 ATLANTIC BOOK APMA BEST ATLANTIC-PUBLISHED BOOK AWARD – SHORTLIST*** ***2022 BMO WINTERSET AWARD – LONGLIST*** ***2022-2023 HACKMATACK ENGLISH FICTION – SHORTLIST***
***2022 IPPY MULTICULTURAL JUV/YA – SILVER***
In 1822, William Epps Cormack sought the expertise of a guide who could lead him across Newfoundland in search of the last remaining Beothuk camps on the island. In his journals, Cormack refers to his guide only as “My Indian.”
Now, almost two hundred years later, Mi’sel Joe and Sheila O’Neill reclaim the story of Sylvester Joe, the Mi’kmaw guide engaged by Cormack. In a remarkable feat of historical fiction, My Indian follows Sylvester Joe from his birth (in what is now known as Miawpukek First Nation) and early life in his community to his journey across the island with Cormack. But will Sylvester Joe lead Cormack to the Beothuk, or will he protect the Beothuk and lead his colonial explorer away?
In rewriting the narrative of Cormack’s journey from the perspective of his Mi’kmaw guide, My Indian reclaims Sylvester Joe’s identity.
***2022 IPPY MULTICULTURAL JUV/YA – SILVER***
In 1822, William Epps Cormack sought the expertise of a guide who could lead him across Newfoundland in search of the last remaining Beothuk camps on the island. In his journals, Cormack refers to his guide only as “My Indian.”
Now, almost two hundred years later, Mi’sel Joe and Sheila O’Neill reclaim the story of Sylvester Joe, the Mi’kmaw guide engaged by Cormack. In a remarkable feat of historical fiction, My Indian follows Sylvester Joe from his birth (in what is now known as Miawpukek First Nation) and early life in his community to his journey across the island with Cormack. But will Sylvester Joe lead Cormack to the Beothuk, or will he protect the Beothuk and lead his colonial explorer away?
In rewriting the narrative of Cormack’s journey from the perspective of his Mi’kmaw guide, My Indian reclaims Sylvester Joe’s identity.
176 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 4, 2021
Giving it five stars because it is an important read for Newfoundland and Labrador residents wanting a fuller version of the truth of our Indigenous history.
(Don't worry -- it is also an engaging and often amusing read! But important for all those of us who were taught that the M'ikmaq were part of the extermination of the Beothuk.)
I will share later my review from June's Northeast Avalon Times.
(Don't worry -- it is also an engaging and often amusing read! But important for all those of us who were taught that the M'ikmaq were part of the extermination of the Beothuk.)
I will share later my review from June's Northeast Avalon Times.
February 14, 2024
Before reading this novel, I knew that I would be using it for a novel study for my junior high students. I have learned so much about the Mi'kmaq of Ktaqmkuk from this novel. It has inspired me to dig deeper and learn more about their cultural practices and beliefs. My juniors are also enjoying this book - they love a good survival/adventure story! The local context makes it even more enjoyable. I think every Newfoundlander should read this novel, especially if you are someone interested in history and anthropology. An excellent and thought provoking read.
June 8, 2021
I was a wee and reluctant Grade 6 scholar when I first heard of Sylvester Joe. He was briefly mentioned in my history book. He still is mentioned; I have the book — albeit scuffed and worn — beside me: The Story of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Read the reference: “William Cormack, the young Newfoundland explorer, took with him a Micmac guide called Joe Sylvester when he crossed the island in 1822.”
Yes, b’ys, Joe Sylvester, not Sylvester Joe.
Now, in a different century — in, arguably, a more enlightened time — I’ve encountered Sylvester Joe again.
My Indian [Breakwater Books] tells the story of Sylvester Joe (Sulieway in his grandfather’s tongue) from his boyhood up to, and including, his trek across Newfoundland with William Cormack in tow.
Not that it means doodly-squat, but I was born and partly reared up near the place where Joe and Cormack started their journey — Random Sound. Nowadays, the Hefferton Causeway connects Random Island with the mainland at Milton where a memorial stone marks the shuff-off point for the trans-island tromp.
I’ve touched the stone. I’ve read the plaque’s inscription.
Mi’sel Joe, My Indian’s author, condemns the attitude with which white men viewed Indians at the time. Condemns not with overt bitterness but with wry amusement.
For instance, Cormack insists on calling Sylvester Joe “My Indian.” Rather than allowing Cormack’s condescension to belittle or upset him, Joe turns the tables and drolly calls Cormack “Aqualasie’w” which in Joe’s language means “My white man” — kinda.
Mild, yet pointed, amusement, eh b’ys?
My Indian is historical fiction written for young people, p’raps for future generations of Grade 6 scholars. Certainly, the book’s intention is to provide a more accurate picture of the Cormack-Joe ramble than that sketched in my Grade 6 history text.
Purportedly, Cormack’s purpose is to contact any Beothuk still living in Newfoundland’s wilderness, a purpose Sylvester Joe’s grandfather is leery of taking at face value.
So, suspicious of Cormack’s ulterior motive, grandfather instructs Sylvester Joe to steer Cormack away from any Beothuk bands whose paths they might cross.
Ha-Ha, trick the white man, eh b’ys?
Change paths.
Consider caribou.
The Mi’kmaq — my history book’s Micmac — depended on caribou much as the Plains Indians depended on buffalo. They used every part of the caribou, from its bony antlers to its ungulated toes.
Waste not, as Granny was inclined to say.
Listen, Grade 6 again.
When I was a bay-boy, when Sylvester Joe was a mere scribble in my history book, I blissfully spent large portions of my time playing cowboys and Indians with other ill-informed bay-boys.
We played Hollywood Indians. We played comic book Indians.
We played Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s friend. We played Little Beaver, Red Ryder’s (of BB Gun fame) sidekick.
We gunned down hordes of face-painted Indians on the warpath, shot them off their painted ponies.
B’ys, you know what’s sad?
It’s sad that we callow bay-boys didn’t know Sylvester Joe’s story, that he didn’t loom large in Newfoundland folk tales. If we’d known Sylvester Joe, maybe we’d have played trekking across Newfoundland. And — who can say? — if some townie cousin visited our outport homes, we might have lured him into the woods and led him astray.
No, not might have, rather would have.
At the end of the trek, Cormack speaks the most revealing line regarding the book’s slightly sardonic tone.
“You’re a good Indian,” he says to Sylvester Joe.
For frig sake, Aqualasie’w!
Thank you for reading.
Read the reference: “William Cormack, the young Newfoundland explorer, took with him a Micmac guide called Joe Sylvester when he crossed the island in 1822.”
Yes, b’ys, Joe Sylvester, not Sylvester Joe.
Now, in a different century — in, arguably, a more enlightened time — I’ve encountered Sylvester Joe again.
My Indian [Breakwater Books] tells the story of Sylvester Joe (Sulieway in his grandfather’s tongue) from his boyhood up to, and including, his trek across Newfoundland with William Cormack in tow.
Not that it means doodly-squat, but I was born and partly reared up near the place where Joe and Cormack started their journey — Random Sound. Nowadays, the Hefferton Causeway connects Random Island with the mainland at Milton where a memorial stone marks the shuff-off point for the trans-island tromp.
I’ve touched the stone. I’ve read the plaque’s inscription.
Mi’sel Joe, My Indian’s author, condemns the attitude with which white men viewed Indians at the time. Condemns not with overt bitterness but with wry amusement.
For instance, Cormack insists on calling Sylvester Joe “My Indian.” Rather than allowing Cormack’s condescension to belittle or upset him, Joe turns the tables and drolly calls Cormack “Aqualasie’w” which in Joe’s language means “My white man” — kinda.
Mild, yet pointed, amusement, eh b’ys?
My Indian is historical fiction written for young people, p’raps for future generations of Grade 6 scholars. Certainly, the book’s intention is to provide a more accurate picture of the Cormack-Joe ramble than that sketched in my Grade 6 history text.
Purportedly, Cormack’s purpose is to contact any Beothuk still living in Newfoundland’s wilderness, a purpose Sylvester Joe’s grandfather is leery of taking at face value.
So, suspicious of Cormack’s ulterior motive, grandfather instructs Sylvester Joe to steer Cormack away from any Beothuk bands whose paths they might cross.
Ha-Ha, trick the white man, eh b’ys?
Change paths.
Consider caribou.
The Mi’kmaq — my history book’s Micmac — depended on caribou much as the Plains Indians depended on buffalo. They used every part of the caribou, from its bony antlers to its ungulated toes.
Waste not, as Granny was inclined to say.
Listen, Grade 6 again.
When I was a bay-boy, when Sylvester Joe was a mere scribble in my history book, I blissfully spent large portions of my time playing cowboys and Indians with other ill-informed bay-boys.
We played Hollywood Indians. We played comic book Indians.
We played Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s friend. We played Little Beaver, Red Ryder’s (of BB Gun fame) sidekick.
We gunned down hordes of face-painted Indians on the warpath, shot them off their painted ponies.
B’ys, you know what’s sad?
It’s sad that we callow bay-boys didn’t know Sylvester Joe’s story, that he didn’t loom large in Newfoundland folk tales. If we’d known Sylvester Joe, maybe we’d have played trekking across Newfoundland. And — who can say? — if some townie cousin visited our outport homes, we might have lured him into the woods and led him astray.
No, not might have, rather would have.
At the end of the trek, Cormack speaks the most revealing line regarding the book’s slightly sardonic tone.
“You’re a good Indian,” he says to Sylvester Joe.
For frig sake, Aqualasie’w!
Thank you for reading.
August 2, 2021
A quick and easy read, I think intended for a younger audience not in topic so much as language and ease of read. Nonetheless an entertaining but extremely important story of NL indigenous history as told by a current elder.
September 15, 2023
Back in 1822, William Cormack sought the help of a Mi’kmaw guide, Suliewey (Sylvester Joe), to lead him across “Newfoundland” to search for the last remaining Beothuk camps on the island. In his journals recounting the trip, Cormack refers to his guide only as “My Indian.” This historical semi-fictionalized novel reclaims the tale of Suliewey from his own point of view of the journey with Cormack.
The writing, in this book, was in an easy-to-read format, and the storyline flowed seamlessly keeping readers engaged. The themes emphasized included strengthening family bonds, unity, and courage. They were explored beautifully. I really enjoyed picturing Suliewey’s journey while also learning more about the history of the land we live on and about various Indigenous traditions. Reading this piece of historical fiction through modern lens made me yearn for so many aspects of a different world where earth is more respected and natural medicinal healing is encouraged. The erasure of Indigenous identity is a serious issue, and I thought this book brought it to light in a wonderful way. Many can benefit by reading this book.
Much of Mi'kmaw history has been told through a colonial lens. This was a wonderful tribute to Suliewey and retelling of this amazing story. Suliewey handled hardships, adversity, and discrimination with grace and gratitude. Even after many of Cormack’s attempts at erasing his Indigenous identity, he stayed strong and was always willing to lend a helping hand even if it was not reciprocated. I especially liked that the book had supplementary materials like a reading guide, images, and a glossary, etc. I do wish that there was a pronunciation guide as well though.
Rich in oral history, this read will leave you longing for more. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel. This is an important, enjoyable, and eye-opening read that I highly recommend to readers looking to strengthen their Indigenous allyship or simply desiring to read a unique novel.
I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars!
The writing, in this book, was in an easy-to-read format, and the storyline flowed seamlessly keeping readers engaged. The themes emphasized included strengthening family bonds, unity, and courage. They were explored beautifully. I really enjoyed picturing Suliewey’s journey while also learning more about the history of the land we live on and about various Indigenous traditions. Reading this piece of historical fiction through modern lens made me yearn for so many aspects of a different world where earth is more respected and natural medicinal healing is encouraged. The erasure of Indigenous identity is a serious issue, and I thought this book brought it to light in a wonderful way. Many can benefit by reading this book.
Much of Mi'kmaw history has been told through a colonial lens. This was a wonderful tribute to Suliewey and retelling of this amazing story. Suliewey handled hardships, adversity, and discrimination with grace and gratitude. Even after many of Cormack’s attempts at erasing his Indigenous identity, he stayed strong and was always willing to lend a helping hand even if it was not reciprocated. I especially liked that the book had supplementary materials like a reading guide, images, and a glossary, etc. I do wish that there was a pronunciation guide as well though.
Rich in oral history, this read will leave you longing for more. I’ll definitely be reading the sequel. This is an important, enjoyable, and eye-opening read that I highly recommend to readers looking to strengthen their Indigenous allyship or simply desiring to read a unique novel.
I rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5 stars!
January 11, 2022
This is a great story and it's wonderful to hear it told from Sylvester Joe’s perspective. “My Indian” is a digestible book for younger or reluctant readers. People who enjoy wilderness adventure stories, or who want to learn more Newfoundland and Labrador history and culture will appreciate this book.
June 23, 2022
This title is nominated for the 2023 Hackmatack Award in the English fiction category. 'My Indian' is a piece of historical fiction that flips the script so to speak. Inspired by the journals of a Scottish explorer by the name of William Cormack, as well as the oral tradition of the Mi'kmaq people of Newfoundlad. Cormack was a real guy, as was his guide Sylvester Joe, a.k.a Suliewey, and this story is based on their journey across the island in the late fall of 1822 searching for the Beothuk people.
I love that this story has been filtered through the lens of the Mi'kmaq people, having been co-written by the District Traditional Chief of Miawpukek First Nation and a Drum carrier of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation. They did an absolutely fantastic job of imagining the thoughts and feelings of Sylvester as he walked the line between honoring his commitments to his white companion & his Elders. I think that it is very important for settler descendants to make an effort to understand how our ancestors attempts to impose their values & belief systems on the Indigenous population caused great harm and suffering to their people.
I really liked that the book has supplementary materials like the reading guide, maps, glossary, and especially the suggested references. Not only do I highly recommend this book, I think it should be required reading for kids in late elementary / early middle school.
I love that this story has been filtered through the lens of the Mi'kmaq people, having been co-written by the District Traditional Chief of Miawpukek First Nation and a Drum carrier of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation. They did an absolutely fantastic job of imagining the thoughts and feelings of Sylvester as he walked the line between honoring his commitments to his white companion & his Elders. I think that it is very important for settler descendants to make an effort to understand how our ancestors attempts to impose their values & belief systems on the Indigenous population caused great harm and suffering to their people.
I really liked that the book has supplementary materials like the reading guide, maps, glossary, and especially the suggested references. Not only do I highly recommend this book, I think it should be required reading for kids in late elementary / early middle school.
June 28, 2023
Alicia-
My Indian is a historical fiction (Based on true events) about a young man named Sulieway (or Sylvester, as his church name), who takes a "white man" named William Cormack on a long, and a little bit of a dangerous journey. Cormack puts Sulieway through a test, to see what his strength, honesty, and courage is like. Sulieway proves that he is worthy of the hard journey ahead. Cormack wants to find the Beothuk People, but Sulieway wants to make sure not to expose the location of the Beothuk people. They camp with many other Mi'kmaq people on the land, each with their own little bits of information of where the Beothuk are. Sulieway tries to make sure to tell them not to say anything to Cormack, so he can keep his promise he made to the elders of protecting his brothers and sisters the Beothuk people. But will he be successful in protecting that secret?
I really enjoyed visualizing their journey, and just everything written in the story. It was a very interesting little piece of history. I liked the real backstory included at the end of the story with all the facts and pictures. My only “issue” was that I just couldn’t pronounce a lot of the Mi’kmaq words, But other than that I thought it was a beautiful read. (And they did include a glossary in the book for those words as well!)
I rate this book a 5/5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
--------
Ariela-
Sulieway is a young Mi’kmaw man living in Atlantic Canada during 1822, a time when the New World was still pretty new. It’s historical fiction, but it’s firmly based on true events, it’s just the authors imaginings of what happened during them. Did I like my history lesson on Mi’kmaw culture, traditions, and beliefs? Yes! Sulieway was such an interesting character, he was asked to be a guide for an Irish explorer named Cormack (he’s ginger and I find it hilariously stereotypical), who is set on finding the Beothuk people in the depths of Newfoundland. Sulieway’s job is to make sure he doesn’t, and lead him as far away as possible. Throughout the journey, Sulieway earns the nickname “My Indian” which is probably where the book title comes from. Anyway, Sulieway and Cormack set off on this journey to find the Beothuk, and at first, Cormack thinks Sulieway is nothing more than just a guide. He thinks he is a Savage, and nothing more thack. (Well, I mean, help him byn a tool to guide him and get what he wants, but in time Cormack learns that Sulieway is much much more than that. Sulieway is a very caring character, who actually just wants to help Corma misleading him and not letting him find the Beothuk camp :D) I really loved Cormack and Sulieway’s character development, I think it was really played out nicely, and it was a great read! I loved getting to learn about all of the Mi’kmaw stuff, and I really enjoyed it! 5/5 stars, and overall just an amazing read for all my history lovers out there!
My Indian is a historical fiction (Based on true events) about a young man named Sulieway (or Sylvester, as his church name), who takes a "white man" named William Cormack on a long, and a little bit of a dangerous journey. Cormack puts Sulieway through a test, to see what his strength, honesty, and courage is like. Sulieway proves that he is worthy of the hard journey ahead. Cormack wants to find the Beothuk People, but Sulieway wants to make sure not to expose the location of the Beothuk people. They camp with many other Mi'kmaq people on the land, each with their own little bits of information of where the Beothuk are. Sulieway tries to make sure to tell them not to say anything to Cormack, so he can keep his promise he made to the elders of protecting his brothers and sisters the Beothuk people. But will he be successful in protecting that secret?
I really enjoyed visualizing their journey, and just everything written in the story. It was a very interesting little piece of history. I liked the real backstory included at the end of the story with all the facts and pictures. My only “issue” was that I just couldn’t pronounce a lot of the Mi’kmaq words, But other than that I thought it was a beautiful read. (And they did include a glossary in the book for those words as well!)
I rate this book a 5/5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
--------
Ariela-
Sulieway is a young Mi’kmaw man living in Atlantic Canada during 1822, a time when the New World was still pretty new. It’s historical fiction, but it’s firmly based on true events, it’s just the authors imaginings of what happened during them. Did I like my history lesson on Mi’kmaw culture, traditions, and beliefs? Yes! Sulieway was such an interesting character, he was asked to be a guide for an Irish explorer named Cormack (he’s ginger and I find it hilariously stereotypical), who is set on finding the Beothuk people in the depths of Newfoundland. Sulieway’s job is to make sure he doesn’t, and lead him as far away as possible. Throughout the journey, Sulieway earns the nickname “My Indian” which is probably where the book title comes from. Anyway, Sulieway and Cormack set off on this journey to find the Beothuk, and at first, Cormack thinks Sulieway is nothing more than just a guide. He thinks he is a Savage, and nothing more thack. (Well, I mean, help him byn a tool to guide him and get what he wants, but in time Cormack learns that Sulieway is much much more than that. Sulieway is a very caring character, who actually just wants to help Corma misleading him and not letting him find the Beothuk camp :D) I really loved Cormack and Sulieway’s character development, I think it was really played out nicely, and it was a great read! I loved getting to learn about all of the Mi’kmaw stuff, and I really enjoyed it! 5/5 stars, and overall just an amazing read for all my history lovers out there!
January 5, 2026
My Indian
by Saqamaw Mi’Sel Joe & Sheila O’Neill
Started: January 2, 2026
Finished: January 3, 2026
This was a powerful, necessary work of historical fiction that reclaims a voice long reduced to a footnote. My Indian retells William Epps Cormack’s journey across Newfoundland from the perspective of Sylvester Joe, the Mi’kmaq guide history referred to only as “My Indian.”
The writing is quiet but devastating in its honesty. It centres Indigenous identity, knowledge, and resistance, while exposing how colonial narratives erase names, voices, and humanity. Reading this felt heavy, not because it was difficult to understand, but because it forces you to sit with truths that are too often ignored.
Short, impactful, and deeply important. This is the kind of book that lingers long after you finish it.
by Saqamaw Mi’Sel Joe & Sheila O’Neill
Started: January 2, 2026
Finished: January 3, 2026
This was a powerful, necessary work of historical fiction that reclaims a voice long reduced to a footnote. My Indian retells William Epps Cormack’s journey across Newfoundland from the perspective of Sylvester Joe, the Mi’kmaq guide history referred to only as “My Indian.”
The writing is quiet but devastating in its honesty. It centres Indigenous identity, knowledge, and resistance, while exposing how colonial narratives erase names, voices, and humanity. Reading this felt heavy, not because it was difficult to understand, but because it forces you to sit with truths that are too often ignored.
Short, impactful, and deeply important. This is the kind of book that lingers long after you finish it.
January 23, 2023
I hope this will be the first of many books that offer a perspective on a historical event that differs from the norm to which we are used to hearing. The authors use knowledge of Mi'kmaq oral history to retell the story of an historic journey across Newfoundland. The unity of the people with the land really comes to the forefront when Cormack said, "I feel so much stronger now, maybe more now than any time in my life." and Sylvester answered, "Mi'kmaq feel that way every day...the land which we walk on...is all good for the heart and the spirit."
If only we all could feel like this, maybe we would be more serious about righting the wrongs that have been done to Canada's Indigenous peoples?
If only we all could feel like this, maybe we would be more serious about righting the wrongs that have been done to Canada's Indigenous peoples?
January 2, 2025
"There will alway be laughter, because laughter is good for the heart and spirit."
Genuinely appreciated the subtle humor in this book that reminded me how to quietly read others and work through issues without surrendering my peace to them. Joe had such a strong sense of self, I'm not sure I would be so gracious in being treated like a possession. He seemed to know very well what comes of losing yourself to negativity. The weasel omen highlights what happens to societies when generations of squabbles open chasms that cannot be bridged.
Laughter just may be a good place to start when looking for a common ground to heal & repair.
Genuinely appreciated the subtle humor in this book that reminded me how to quietly read others and work through issues without surrendering my peace to them. Joe had such a strong sense of self, I'm not sure I would be so gracious in being treated like a possession. He seemed to know very well what comes of losing yourself to negativity. The weasel omen highlights what happens to societies when generations of squabbles open chasms that cannot be bridged.
Laughter just may be a good place to start when looking for a common ground to heal & repair.
December 26, 2022
First off this book is fiction due to the fact there is little evidence or information on this trip. The only recorded record is from the European viewpoint. The indigenous point of view was not recorded only verbal oral history. The authors clearly presents a realistic view of the William Cormack trip across Newfoundland about 200 years ago from the indigenous point of view. This book is a good read for all Newfoundlands.
October 21, 2022
An excellent semi-fictionalized narrative account of the early life of Suliewey Sylvester Joe and his travels with William Cormack across Newfoundland 200 years ago, steeped in Mi'kmaq culture and history. The appendix of Mi'kmaq words was also a nice addition. A perfect read for Mi'kmaq History Month and a great addition to this province's historical literature.
October 10, 2024
This was an excellent and quick read that opens the eyes to history from a different perspective. I have been fascinated with true stories/history and this one didn’t disappoint. It was well told and wrote in my opinion. Looking forward to the sequel now.
June 6, 2021
I learned so much from this retelling of our history. I am grateful to Chief Mi'sel and Sheila for writing this down and providing perspective on such an important story.
August 10, 2022
A fascinating and important read. I grew up in Bay d’Espoir—much respect to Mi’sel Joe.
August 14, 2022
An enjoyable read. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews