John Norquay, orphan and prodigy, was a leader among the Scots Cree peoples of western Canada. Born in the Red River Settlement, he farmed, hunted, traded, and taught school before becoming a legislator, cabinet minister, and, from 1878 to 1887, premier of Manitoba.

Once described as Louis Riel’s alter ego, he skirmished with prime minister John A. Macdonald, clashed with railway baron George Stephen, and endured racist taunts while championing the interests of the Prairie West in battles with investment bankers, Ottawa politicians, and the CPR. His contributions to the development of Canada’s federal system and his dealings with issues of race and racism deserve attention today.

Recounted here by Canadian historian Gerald Friesen, Norquay’s life story ignites contemporary conversations around the nature of empire and Canada’s own imperial past. Drawing extensively on recently opened letters and financial papers that offer new insights into his business, family, and political life, Friesen reveals Norquay to be a thoughtful statesman and generous patriarch. This masterful biography of the Premier from Red River sheds welcome light on a neglected historical figure and a tumultuous time for Canada and Manitoba.

"The Honourable John Norquay benefits from its author’s comprehensive research, deep knowledge of Manitoba’s history and straightforward prose, and from his clear and justified respect for a premier who governed during a period of rapid expansion and deep divisions. Gerald Friesen has given us an admirable biography of an admirable statesman who contributed much to his province and to Canada."

"Most readers of this meticulously researched biography will find the words on the Norquay memorial at Winnipeg's St. John's Cathedral moving and close to the truth: 'By his sudden death his native land lost an eloquent speaker, an honest statesman and a true friend.'"