These Mountains are Our Sacred Places: The Story of the Stoney People

Western Canadian Classics

by John Snow

First published in 1977 to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the signing of historical Treaty Seven by the First Nations of southern Alberta and the Canadian government, These Mountains Are Our Sacred Places has become a classic of Western Canadian literature. These Mountains Are Our Sacred Places is a result of extensive research. After consulting archival records and the Stoney oral tradition, Chief John Snow describes with clarity, depth, and understanding the Native perspective on life since the birth of Treaty Seven in 1877. With compassion and detail, Snow describes the stable state of First Nations prior to contact with Europeans and the destruction wrought by the whisky traders. He records the period of treaty-signing and the failure on the government's part to hold to treaty agreements. And most importantly, Snow explains his people's feeling of dispossession that continues to threaten the very survival of Stoney beliefs, values, and lifestyle. In his wisdom, however, Snow is also about the hope that was born after the introduction of self-government in 1969, following the granting of citizenship to Indian people across the nation; and about his people's belief in biculturalism as they seek a path that allows them to thrive and benefit from both Native and non-Native cultures, rather than slip between the two. In an epilogue written in 2005, Chief John Snow reflects upon his career since the Treaty Seven commemoration in 1977, describing some of the events that affected First Nations at the end of the twentieth century and, also, discussing more personal, philosophical issues, such as cultural revitalization, Native spirituality, and the beauty of the oral tradition.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Indigenous, Canada

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

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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.