The Ring: Memories of a Metis Grandmother

by Lyn Hancock

The Ring, formerly published as Tell Me, Grandmother, is the story of Sam and Jane Livingston, Calgary’s first settlers, as told by Grandmother Jane to her grandson, Dennis Dowler.When Dennis asked Grandmother Jane how she got that mysterious ring she kept twisting around her finger, he discovered that Great-grandfather Joseph Howse was the first fur trader for the Hudson’s Bay Company west of the Rockies, and Grandfather Sam was a famous gold prospector, fur trader, buffalo hunter and Fort Calgary’s first farmer. But it was Grandmother Jane’s story Dennis liked her life at the Red River Settlement (now Winnipeg), her adventures crossing the prairie in an ox cart and raising her large family in a sod hut. Dennis became proud to be Métis.This is a fascinating tale of love between a Métis woman and a flamboyant Irishman. Their romance, though not traditional in any way, was symbolized by the ring given to Jane as a token of his undying love. It remains today as a legacy to the many descendants of this remarkable couple.

Genres: History, Indigenous, Nonfiction

235 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Wayne Inkster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story of Sam and Jane Livingston, as told by Jane while telling stories to her grandson about her early life.

The tales take place across western Canada, primarily in the area now known as the province of Alberta. This book not only shares personal experiences but also personalizes history.

Overall, a quick and great read.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Grandmother Jane tells stories to her grandson about her Indian past, marrying Sam the Irishman, having 14 children, and moving multiple times in Canada, all in the 1800s. Plus there is a story about the ring she turns round and round on her finger while storytelling.