Thanks to all of you for your help and interest, especially to Mick for the link to Metis culture, to mg and Q for links and info on the "Louis Riel song," and to John for all his research. Fascinating stuff.

I think I will try sending a letter for Mr. Bowen to St. Martin's Minotaur press and see if I can at least find out if "Baptiste's Lament" is a real song or a figment of Mr. Bowen's imagination--also to thank him for enriching my knowledge about a little-known people.

Again, Mudcatters, many thanks for your help!

Lin