"The Beothuk tribe of Newfoundland disappeared from the face of the earth in the 1820's. .... Mingled in the archives with these factual sources, however, is a vast amount of writing that contains so much exaggeration, demonstrably false information, and emotional bias that it can only be considered fiction. It is my purpose in this book to sift out the nuggets of truth from that mass of fiction, to make clear where the gaps in our knowledge exist, and to put to rest some of the more intemperate allegations that recent writers have made against the white settlers in Newfoundland". -- Pp. 1-2.
Contents: Distortions and Controversy -- Early Contacts -- Opportunity and Frustration -- The Final Years -- Mary March and Shanawdithit -- Atrocities and Hostilities: Fact and Fiction -- The Beothuks' Way of Life and Origins -- Extinction -- Bibliography -- Index.
"Canadian tend to greet disruptions between Natives and non-Natives with incomprehension. Many politicians, journalists, and ordinary citizens understand neither how not why the crisis of the moment has arisen. In `Lethal Legacy', J.R. Miller shows how a historical understanding of public policy affecting Canadian Natives can explain current problems and point the way to rational solutions". -- back cover.
Contents: Preface -- Designer Labels : Shaping Aboriginal Identity -- "According to Our Ancient Customs" : Self-Government -- "A Strong Promise" : Treaties -- "All This Region Belonged to Him" : Claims -- "Left Hanging in the Middle" : Assimilation -- Making Our Way Forward -- Acknowledgements -- Index.