Mackinaw
A thick blanket, such as were distributed to Indigenous Nations by the US and Canadian governments. Also a heavy woolen coat, usually plaid
Ojibway
An Indigenous Nation and member of the Anishinaabeg whose territories span the United States and Canada, traditionally centered around the Great Lakes. Can also be spelled Ojibwe and Ojibwa
Cree
One of the largest First Nations groups in North America, whose territories span the United States and Canada. Cree territories are adjacent to Ojibway territories
Métis
Communities who trace their descent to First Nations groups and European settlers; in Wagamese’s novel this refers to individuals of French descent, and so does not include the Starlights
Chilcotin (Tsilhqot’in)
A First Nations group who live between the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains in west-Central British Columbia
Bannock
A type of fry bread which originates in Scotland but was eventually adopted by the Indigenous peoples of Canada
Grouse
A plump game bird
The bush
Land not on the road system, wilderness; can also be referred to as the backcountry or hinterlands
Reconnaissance
Military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features
Hooch
North American slang for alcohol, especially low-quality spirits
Honkytonk
A cheap or disreputable bar
Swale
Shade or a shady, cool place
Glassine
A glossy, transparent paper
Denizen
An inhabitant, indweller, or occupant, as opposed to a foreigner
Garrulous
Speech or talk that is full of long rambling statements, wordy
Modicum
A small quantity or portion
Canted
Sloped, slanted, or tilted upwards
Eking
Increasing or growing
Cantankerous
Demonstrating an ill-natured disposition, quarrelsome
Slatternly
Used to describe women or girls who are untidy, dirty, and slovenly in appearance
