October 29, 2024 Meeting Summary by Nancy McFadden
The speaker at the October 2024 meeting was Ron Thompson whose speech was based on his book, The Wind from All Directions. The title of his speech was The War That Nearly Was: Imperial Ambitions and Conflict in the Pacific Northwest.
We enjoyed a fascinating prelude to our Halloween dinner presented by Ron Thompson: originally a development worker, then an investment banker and consultant and now an author of the novel, The Wind From All Directions. Ron’s experience as well as his education at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Toronto, the London School of Economics and the Humber School of Writing all seemed to resonate in his meticulously researched, clearly presented and captivating story. Much of the material was new to most of us in the audience.
Ron focused on the story of the first contact between Western Europeans and the Indigenous peoples of West Coast Canada. He was armed with vivid descriptions, relevant statistics and wonderful illustrations and maps. The voyages were long; seas were rough; men were malnourished often suffering from scurvy; route maps were non-existent and isolation extreme. Much rested on the shoulders of adventurers both young and old.
In only 18 years from 1774-1792, the Pacific Northwest emerged from a ‘terra incognito‘ to a strategic centre of colonial ambitions. Its hope of a Northwest Passage lured botanists, imperialists and traders mainly from Spain and England to its foggy, stormy, cold and dangerous coastline. Russian encroachments were feared but contained. The French were otherwise engaged in their own internal revolution. However, these adventurers, traders, hooligans and diplomats did not realize the extent of the indigenous civilization tucked into various coves along the coast.
There were many highlights of Ron’s tale. The definition of what we see now as the Pacific map was mostly created by cartographers during this period. The size of fleets grew enormously as they realized the strategic importance and natural wealth of the area. The Spaniards and Haida first met on the sea – not even on land. They were tentative but peaceful: what a poignant moment in our long history! In spite of brutal imperial wars raging throughout this century, the Spanish and English entered into a brief collaboration to search for the Northwest Passage. Rivalry mounted as traders recognized the growing value of sea otter pelts in the first trade with China.
The human dimension was captivating. Stars included Quadra, the brilliant young Spanish naval officer; Mears the English adventurer capitalist; Pitt the younger who persuaded Parliament to seize the opportunity; Vancouver who was probably given more credit than he was due; and every sailor who experienced the ravages of weather, malnutrition and isolation as well as every indigenous person who quickly saw their way of life change forever.
Ron’s research and presentation provide the historical context for his compelling new novel, The Wind From All Directions released in 2024. It is a whodunit so no spoilers appeared in the presentation but you can imagine: a body is found and the story begins. Don’t miss this book – or our next meeting.
Many thanks Ron.
More About Ron Thompson and the Winds From All Directions
If you would like to learn more about the events in his presentation, there is a one hour video by Ron Thompson on YouTube called A Clash of Great Powers: The Nootka Crisis. To view this video:
The Wind From All Directions, was published in February 2024. It is set in the Pacific northwest in 1792. On release, it became an Amazon bestseller and Top New Release. “Highly recommended,” proclaimed the Vancouver Sun/Post Media, describing its story and the dynamic between its characters as “vividly portrayed.” The Historical Novels Review described it as “sprawling with scholarly 18th century detail (with) surprising gems hidden at its core.” Rear Admiral Ray Zuliani, RCN, called it “a thoroughly enjoyable read.”
Since leaving Bay Street, Ron has focused on writing. His satiric first novel, A Person of Letters, was published in 2015. His second, Poplar Lake, was released in 2018. Terry Fallis, winner of the Leacock Medal for Humour, called it “a captivating story, rich with humour and heart.” Ron’s latest novel is The Wind From All Directions.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 