Living Arctic: Hunters of the Canadian North

by Hugh Brody

Offers a glimpse at the radically different lifestyle of the people in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest

Genres: Anthropology

254 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

Reviews

[Peter Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had read this book 35 years ago. It provides useful insights into the cultures of the people of northern Canada and the impact of European/Canadian contact with the people who have lived in those lands for millennia. Fools we.

[Harri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read on hunters in the Canadian Arctic. A little dated but highlights issues that are still topical today.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the language of the north-western Cree, the word used to mean boss or chief is ugimau. This, the only term that denotes institutional authority, is pejorative. The word for the person elected as chief under the modern political organization established by the Canadian Department of Indian Affairs is ugimaxan, literally, pretend or fake boss. This is a double pejorative. (1987)

"Although our leaders are very important to us: they are meant to guide us and not have power over us... For example, at one meeting one Dene asked, 'You, the leaders, where are you going to lead us?' And one leader answered, 'We won't lead you anywhere... A Dene leader doesn't lead anybody anywhere. You go where you want to go." - Denendeh

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely ethnography. Well laid out, really accessible, enjoyable read.