December 2018-January 2019
Features
Pirates For Hire
Privateers were legalized pirates, fighting for both profit and patriotism during wartime. by Dean Jobb
Magnetic North
In the 1930s, a young writer and photographer for The Beaver set out on a northern adventure but never made it home. by Katherine Schumm
Dancing His Own Line
Benjamin Chee Chee’s life came to a tragic end after a successful but short career as an artist. by Ernie Bies
Macabre Discovery
The legend of a French-Canadian folklore character becomes true history after the discovery of her cage. by André Pelchat Listen to the podcast
On the cover
A swashbuckling privateer, pistols brandished, boards a ship in search of plunder in this painting by David Palumbo.
Departments
Editor’s Note
Making waves.
The Packet
Not-so-ancient history. Red flags. Mental-health awareness.
Currents
Armistice declared in the war on weed. History: take two. Canadian soldier honoured in Belgium. Canada’s official languages. Brush Strokes: Peter Clapham Sheppard’s Arrival of the Circus.
Trading Post
Surgical tools were supplied to HBC post managers in remote locations.
Destinations
Vancouver-area museums showcase Indigenous arts and culture.
Creative Voices
Celebrating the winners of the Indigenous Arts & Stories competition.
Holiday Book & Gift Guide
Our 15th-annual advertising section offers a wide selection of books and gifts for Canadian history lovers.
Books
Daily grind. Eyes wide open. More books: veterans’ sacrifices, queering Toronto, forensic investigator, enormous lake. Read them all
Christopher Moore
Canadians need to pick more than just the low-hanging fruit of history.
Album
Men work to clear a logjam on Newfoundland’s Terra Nova River.