The Hidden
Journals
History turns into mystery when the authors begin to research the oral stories about Wade Baker’s ancestor, Third Lieutenant Joseph Baker, mapmaker on HMS Discovery. Memories from Grannie Lizzie and other Coast Salish and Hawaiian elders lead to authentic stories about Captain Vancouver and his officers’ relationships with kings and queens in their kingdoms in North America and Hawaii.
When Wade and Mary started their research, they did not realize how extensively this important piece of Pacific West Coast history had been airbrushed from the records. Over eight years of investigation with seven museums around the world, as well as many conversations with Maui and Vancouver elders, uncovered a very different Captain Vancouver than the man described in mainstream history.
Stories revealed about the respectful interactions with the native peoples are compelling, moving and insightful.
This book will forever change how you think about the indigenous people and their history, and brings understanding to the profound effects that the later distortions of this times had on the subconscious beliefs we carry today. The 1790s to the early 1800s was a time of high-level friendships between cultures, and an era of spiritual and mystical values about the land, water and air. This open-hearted adventure is an inspiration for these times and a call to the reader to pick up the torch and continue the journey.
Testimonials
“The key thing is to understand that there are primary sources that were hidden/destroyed due to perceptions in historical periods. To have those lost stories uncovered is exhilarating and it is important to understand how history is made and remade. This book is important from a social studies perspective, and also from a BC perspective.”
- D. Parker, Social Studies Teacher, Nanaimo
Thank you for bringing this information to light. We were certainly cut off from this real history. Most people were controlled in those days not to ask the questions and look beyond." - M. Murray, Victoria, BC
“What Wade and Mary are writing is amazing. It is helping people connect.” - Debra Sparrow, Coast Salish (Musqueam) Elder, Vancouver. BC
“The authors have been very persistent in finding the real stories of those times. It is particularly important information they have discovered about the gracious and respectful manners of our royal women as described by Captain Vancouver. The true spirit of Aloha.”
- Ma Kua Sam Ka’hai Kaai., Keeper of the Cultural Stories, Maui
“I like the idea in this book that we must make space for other interpretations of these times. We have to transform history into light.” - Dr. Jack Lohman, Chief Executive Officer, Royal British Columbia Museum.
The book is a refreshing delight to the senses, articulate and colourful. Primary records, oral stories, literary imagination and personal interviews come together seamlessly. The story is a reconsideration of history that provides a welcome alternative to official histories we have all grown up with in British Columbia” - Joe Dejarlais, Principal, Northwest Trail consulting, North Vancouver
Shelagh Rogers interviews Wade Baker & Mary Tasi on "The Hidden Journals" for -
The Next Chapter, Radio Show:
Educational Workshops
Along with the book, Wade and Mary conduct workshops and do presentations about this chapter in history, the process of writing a social history or about exploring the connections of ancestry and history. If you are interested in holding a workshop, please contact us.
It was such a pleasure to have Wade and Mary come to talk to our group of newcomers. Their friendliness, extensive knowledge, as well as the plethora of artefacts they brought with them really enabled our participants to not only learn about Aboriginal culture and history, but to connect similarities between aboriginal cultures as well as their own. Their time with us was engaging, informative and enjoyable for all involved. Thanks Mary and Wade!” – Statement made by Adrienne Bale, Program Facilitator, Connections, YMCA of Greater Vancouver after the Aboriginal Art and Culture Event YMCA Connections on June 7th 2015 .