Who remembers a poplar leaf, after it has fallen? Who remembers the peacemaker? The peacemaker was Maskepetoon, Great Chief of Canada's plains Indians. He lived, fought and died more than a century ago. Before he made peace among the warring tribes—Blackfoot, Pegans, Bloods, Sarcees and his own Crees, he was the fiercest of warriors. In this deeply moving story from Canada's history—a story full of the dust and blood and hoofbeats of Indian raids and skirmishes—Maskepetoon lives again. The peacemaker is not to be forgotten.

As a youth he had a vision sent by The Great Spirit. He seemed to stretch forth his arm between the battling tribes, receiving all their weapons in his flesh. Therefore he was called Maskepetoon, which means 'wounded or broken arm'. For years he could not understand the vision. For years he avoided the war which at last he saw that he must undertake. How well he succeeded and in what manner a brave life came to an end makes an enthralling story.

Other characters from this little-known passage of history are drawn with equal authenticity and vividness. Redpine, the Great Chief's gentle father, Kakaku the Crow, the wise medicine man, and Papee, his lovely daughter; and Meuish who was Maskepetoon's devoted squaw; they are all presented with warm insight by a writer who knows them and understands them.

From the dust jacket