First Nations singing in a traditional style in the Wintergarden last week.

PHOTO TAKEN BY TYLER CLARKE

224 BiLisssTow

Tyrer CLARKE

PuotTo/PrRopuction COORDINATOR

The way of life in the far Canadian North can be a harsh
one, and braving the elements can be difficult. More so in the
60’s, when House Calls by Dogsled takes place.

The book chronicles the six years the newly-married Keith
and Muriel Billington spent living and working as nurses in
the Northwest Territories outpost of Fort McPherson.

T’ll make a confession. I’m only on page 63. It’s finals
season. I’m burnt out. These things happen. I can, however,
say that this is a genuinely good book that I fully plan on
completing after exams are complete. Why, the more inquisi-
tive of you may ask? Because I’m interested in First Nations
people, and this book follows Keith and Muriel’s interaction
and attempts to fit into this northern, primarily First Nations
community. : :

The isolationist and adventure-prone nature of people is
also evident, as this is an isolated community whose only
interaction with the rest of Canada is through a small plane.

House Calls by Dogsled

The adventure parts of the book come about through the stor-
ies Keith tells in startling detail about rescues, such as the one
he opens the book with, which surrounds a man with an eye
injury and the difficulty the two nurses have in getting him
to a doctor. Although they succeed, not all the stories in the
book have a happy ending. This adds some legitimacy to the

-book, in that both the dirty and clean are presented.

Again, I’m only on page 63. *cough.”

If you’re interested in First Nations culture, the North, the
medical profession, or in adventure narratives, this book is
highly recommended by me, the guy who’s 63 pages in and
hooked. ;

What’s better yet is that the author Keith Billing-
ton, will be in launching this book in Prince George at
Books & Company on Third Avenue Saturday April
12th at 7 p.m. Seems like a neat fellow. Should be an
informative and entertaining launch.

For more information on the book visit the publisher online
at www.harbourpublishing.com.