“I Will Fear No Evil”: Ojibwa-Missionary Encounters Along the Berens River, 1875-1940

By Susan Elaine Gray

$29.95 sc
Available Now
ISBN 1-55238-198-6
180 pp.
6" x 9"
Diagrams, Maps, Tables, Index

Cultural Studies

Copublished with Michigan State University Press

About the Book

Author Susan Gray offers a new perspective on missionary-aboriginal encounters between the Berens River Ojibwa and Christian missionaries between 1875 and 1940. “I Will Fear No Evil” moves beyond a simple chronicle of the introduction and adoption of Christian elements by the Ojibwa to recognize and highlight the complicated ebb and flow of ideas and beliefs between these two groups.
Conversions and the adoption of Christianity had multi-dimensional meanings and were interpreted in many different ways by the Berens River Ojibwa. Christian rituals and practices were integrated into their worldview in ways that were meaningful to the participants, and today, a blend of both Christian and Ojibwa ideas are interwoven into the lives of Berens River residents.
With both traditions holding such meaning and sincerity, this dynamic, complex, and uniquely adaptive religion sheds new light on our understanding of cultural contact and change.


— from the Foreword, by The Very Reverend Dr. Stan McKay, Past Moderator of the United Church of Canada

“As you read this book you will be guided through a significant period of Canadian history as experienced by a small community of Ojibwa. The focus on spiritual and philosophical reflections gives a depth to the stories which is not often available to readers. I am encouraged by it. I pray it might be used to lift up discussions about our relationships in Canadaópast and presentóso that we may learn more of the teachings of respect for diversity. This book has much to offer to those who study missiology, and the material might engage students of history in creative reflection. Most importantly it may open doors for First Peoples as we seek to understand the influence of missions on our lives.”

About the Author

Dr. Susan Gray is a Research Associate to the Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Peoples in an Urban and Regional Context at the University of Winnipeg.

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