The White Chief of the Ottawa is set in the early 19th century and centers on the life and adventures of a character known as Hugh Ross who becomes the White Chief of the Ottawa people. The story takes place during a time of significant cultural and political change for the Indigenous peoples of Canada as well as for the settlers arriving in the region. The protagonist Hugh Ross is a young man of mixed heritage who is accepted by the Ottawa tribe and eventually becomes a prominent leader among them. The novel explores his experiences navigating the complexities of his dual identity and his role in bridging the gap between the Indigenous community and the European settlers.