Honore Jaxon: Prairie Visionary

William Henry Jackson, born in 1861, was a young English Canadian idealist who sympathized with the Métis and became personal secretary to Louis Riel. After the Métis defeat, he was committed to the lunatic asylum at Lower Fort Garry. He escaped to the United States, joined the labor union movement, and renounced his race. He self-identified as Métis and changed his name to "Honoré Jaxon," dedicating his life to fighting for the working class and Indigenous peoples of North America. Donald B. Smith's book "Honoré Jaxon" presents a definitive biography of this complex political man, following him into the 1940s when his life mission became the establishment of a library for the First Nations in Saskatchewan.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Born in 1861 to a Methodist family in Ontario, William Henry Jackson's journey took him to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, where he developed a deep sympathy for the Métis people and became the personal secretary to Louis Riel. However, the Métis defeat led to Jackson's commitment to the lunatic asylum at Lower Fort Garry. Undeterred, he managed to escape to the United States, where he joined the labor union movement and renounced his race. Taking on the identity of Métis, he changed his name to "Honoré Jaxon" and dedicated the rest of his life to advocating for the working class and Indigenous peoples of North America.

In his book, Honoré Jaxon: A Life of Activism and Advocacy, Donald B. Smith delves into the extensive archival research and personal interviews conducted to present a comprehensive biography of this remarkable political figure. The book follows Jaxon's life journey into the 1940s, where his primary mission became the establishment of a library for the First Nations in Saskatchewan. He tirelessly collected books, newspapers, and pamphlets related to the Métis people, with a particular focus on preserving their history and culture.

Despite his unwavering dedication, Jaxon faced significant challenges in his later years. At the age of ninety, he was evicted from his apartment, and his beloved library was discarded to a New York City dump. In poor health and broken in spirit, he passed away one month later.

Honoré Jaxon is a captivating story that unfolds through a series of heavily illustrated chapters. It recounts the complicated journey of a young English Canadian who envisioned a society where English, French, Indigenous, and Métis would be equals. Jackson's unwavering commitment to social justice and his unwavering belief in the potential for unity among different cultures make his story a testament to the power of activism and advocacy.

Through Honoré Jaxon's life and work, Smith sheds light on the complex history of Canada and the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting inclusivity, and fighting for social justice. It is a valuable contribution to the literature on Canadian history and a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Canadian identity.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487550141