Thousand Islands Life, The Story of an Author & his Book

Over the years, I have had the honour and privilege of meeting several authors of Thousand Islands books. Each one brings a passion and a persona to their work that comes through on the pages—fact or fiction, no difference. This story allows me to introduce another author—but in a different way.

While the book is just coming off the press, we can expect its arrival to be celebrated. As those of us who have written books (or put articles together) know, the publishing process can be grueling and worrisome. However, the story of that compilation can be just as fascinating as the book itself, if not more so. This is the case with The Garden of the Great Spirit, written by Robert Chitty, who grew up in Gananoque. ON.

I knew Robert Chitty years ago, when he created the building concept of our 1000 Islands History Museum on the Gananoque waterfront in 1985. But our Gananoque project was a tiny pebble in the body of work that Robert's company, Gordon Creative Group, a top Ottawa marketing and branding firm, has accomplished over almost five decades.

Robert is not just an author, but also a filmmaker. His academic credentials, starting at Kingston's St. Lawrence College, then additional studies at Monarch Business School in Switzerland have certainly contributed to his success. His background in filmmaking, with a focus on documentary films, brings a unique perspective to his photography.

And watching some of his documentary films taught me a great deal about our Canadian history. Robert and his company created several films documenting the serious history of the Cree Nation over a number of years. I include just a nine minute film but also a link to several full length films. Once you view this you may be mesmerized as I was and want to continue to learn more.

In the early 1970s, ten young Cree leaders were asked by community elders to lead the fight during negotiations for the James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement. May their experiences serve to guide and inspire Cree youth and others in similar circumstances today. It covers the period of time from the first announcement of Bourassa's "Project of the Century" to the signing of the JBNQA . . . This video is the first of a four-part documentary feature-length film series that was filmed and produced by gordongroup.

This link will take you to the films Robert Chitty produced, which chronicle the 40-year fight by the Cree Nation to have their treaty implemented according to the signatory's commitments https://www.cngov.ca/resources/the-eeyouch-of-eeyou-istchee/

Now About the Book

To learn about the book, we must go back to the elementary school days when he attended Gananoque's' Linklater Public School. It was there, he met British film director, Matt Lipsey. Yes, Matt Lipsey also attended Linklater Public!

Matt Lipsey wrote the book’s foreword, and that gentleman is quite famous! Directing Ted Lasso (2020), Inside No. 9 (2014) and Little Britain (2003). . . and the list goes on.

Matt's foreword is both complementary and heartwarming. These two met at Linklater Public School, and their friendship continues today, initially with landline phone calls and now on cellular – every week, month after month.

L: Robert Chitty, the author with his longtime Linklater School chum, Matt Lipsey; R: The photographer on the lookout!

The Garden of the Great Spirit

The book’s title is also quite appropriate, as Robert's appreciation of Canada's Indigenous history uses the name originally given to our Islands. And one aspect that makes this book stand on its own is how little text there is. Photographs are listed in the table of contents, but that is the sum total of description. Each photograph – with landscapes, architecture, and wildlife – is meant to speak its own language.

Robert's introduction concludes how many of us feel about our River. The last paragraph seems to sum it up:

"Time of the St. Lawrence River remains formative for me, experiencing the magnificent natural ecology, especially voyages with navigators both family and friends."

Yes this is the story of an author and his book - one that will be appreciated by islanders, for sure.

Sneak Preview

Book Launch

We recently learned that the book will be launched on board City Tours Gananoque Boat Line. There will be a private presentation of Robert's book and a book signing. Guests will need to purchase their tickets for the boat cruise ($33) by reserving on the Boat Line website. Click Here to reserve tickets.

By Susan W. Smith, Editor, info@thousandislandslife.com

Editor's Note: Do you recognize the name Chitty? Well the late Mr. and Mrs. Chitty have every reason to be proud of their children as their daughter, Heather, is the author of several books, including River Reminiscing: An Anthology of Thousand Islands Stories, and articles for TI Life; daughter Karen Wand recently published "An Afternoon Tea with Agnes Maule Machar, which we reviewed in September, 2024. and now we will have son Robert's book on our shelves, too!