This book tells the life stories of five Native Canadian women, reconstructed using a variety of historical sources. Each biography is drawn from a different Native culture, spread geographically from Saskatchewan to Newfoundland; collectively the stories cover the period from 1656 to 1992. This path breaking book shatters stereotypes by showing the power that Native women had in their communities. The images of squaw and Indian princess have now be replaced by a more realistic view of women diverse in personality and life history. Readers of this book will find the variety and richness of these women's lives to be truly absorbing. 'Beyond Their Years' describes the struggles of each woman to preserve and protect her community.