Metlakahtla and the North Pacific Mission of the Church Missionary Society

"Metlakahtla and the North Pacific Mission of the Church Missionary Society" by Stock is a telling account of the Church Missionary Society's mission to Christianize the Tsimshean Indians in British Columbia in the mid-1800s, centering on the experiences of William Duncan. The narrative starts by painting a vivid picture of British Columbia's landscape, its varied Indian tribes, ancient customs, and the important role of traditional practices in their communities. Duncan's mission begins when this backdrop is built, which brings up the core conflict of the story, his dedication to religious education set against the firmly held beliefs of the tribes. The first parts of the telling showcase Duncan's arrival and encounters with the Tsimshean people, digging into their social life, the role of old traditions, and the struggles he meets trying to win their trust and build a Christian society. Where colonial goals and established traditions meet, the narrative turns to the topics of hope, resistance, and how faith can be transformative.