These Mountains Are Our Sacred Places: The Story of the Stoney Indians

Western Canadian Classics

by John Snow

The Story Of The Stoney Indians

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Indigenous, Canada

186 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name.

Reviews

[Nahanni McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very important book

[Elle Pea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gift. As a 3rd generation European Canadian settler, I sincerely appreciate the knowledge, stories, history and context on these pages but also the intention, passion and navigation of complexity. I cannot imagine a better bridge of wisdom, both approachable and comprehensive (& a professional and clear labour of love). Any and every person who loves Canada (or any part of North America) should read this. Anyone who as lived near or visited Banff National Park should read this. Or, you should read this, if you have ever felt a sublime or spiritual connection to The Land or, specifically, the Rocky Mountains.

[Barbara Brydges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about our Stoney neighbours by reading this reissue of Chief John Snow’s 1977 book, not just about their worldview but about how, even more than the other tribes that signed Treaty Seven and were betrayed by the government’s not living up to its promises, the Stoney were set-up for failure by being lumped together into one group, whereas they were actually a confederacy of three First Nations, each of whom should have had their own reserve.

[Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring read. I am one more US citizen with a casual awareness of how brutally the original inhabitants of this continent were dispossessed of their land and traditions. Chief John Snow makes the tragedy real by documenting in detail how his tribe was nearly extinguished and concludes by sharing a hopeful plan for recovery. Recognizing the need to preserve native culture simultaneously with existing in a brave new world, Snow demonstrated powerful foresight. This was written in 1977 and I am interested to follow up and see whether the plan has proven successful for the Stoney Indians.

A major theme is recognizing the need to appreciate and nurture the natural world. Perhaps the most powerful quote is "Technology is not wisdom...only wisdom can harness technology so that man can build a better world."

Amen.

[Billy Rubin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book. Reconciliation means, in part, that we sellers need to learn about the issues confirming indigenous people from am indigenous perspective. This book details the history of the Stony people, from near Calgary, from the signing of Treaty 7 to recently. It's tragic, outrage generating, but ultimately optimistic. I work near the Stony reserve and spend time in those mountains so I wanted to learn more, and boy did I.

[Cleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should be reading this book. We think we understand the issue, we think we see it correctly until a different perspective is offered and then we realize we have understood nothing. There is such heart break and beauty all at once. It should be our collective mission to restore this culture and to learn from it in ways we desperately lack.

[J Haeske · Rating 5 out of 5]

As could be expected, the book is at times rather depressing, as the Stoney people did receive the same mistreatment as most/all other Native American tribes. But, especially towards the latter parts of the book, there were also encouraging and hopeful passages. A rallying cry of sorts for self-determination and not giving up hope. Also, the writing is very powerful, intelligent and to the point. Chief John Snow clearly was a bright and well educated person who undoubtedly did a lot of good for his people in his time.