No Word for Time: The Way of the Algonquin People

by Evan T. Pritchard

Evan T. Pritchard has created a poetic work that honors the timeless world of the Algonquin people. A descendant of the Algonquins explores a rapidly disappearing world in which there is no word for time and life moves with the rhythms of nature —the world of the Algonquin Indians. One of the largest and most diverse language groups in the world, the nations and tribes which are related under the title “Algonquin” once occupied most of the northeastern United States, from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean, and great portions of southern Canada. Their influence on the culture and history of North America has been immense.

Genres: Native American, Nonfiction, Spirituality, History

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 1997

Reviews

[Alison Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential read to grasp Algonquin philosophy and culture. With one foot in Western culture the other in Native, he tells the story of indigenous people tying in Buddhism and Hindu perspectives.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read on language and world views. It has really changed the way I think about the world.

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I asked a friend of mine who is a professor of Native American Studies to suggest a book on NA spirituality, she recommended this one.

Part memoir, part comparative religious study, and part ethnographic text No Word for Time offers a lot of information about the language, rituals, myths, and world view of the Micmac tribe of the Algonquins. Pritchard makes the point that traditional NA cultures are ‘oral’ as opposed to ‘literate.’ Ie, in telling stories and talking about their world as opposed to writing about it they ‘loop around and back’ a point a number of times. This makes for a comprehensive and nicely textured presentation.

It also makes for some redundancy, which I found to be a bit annoying about half way through the book. Additionally, the author offers a lot of comparisons between Micmac beliefs and practices and those of Hinduism, Taoism, and Buddhism for two reasons. First, he opines that all are earth based beliefs. Second, he notes that the NA people probably have Asian roots. As I know nothing about Hinduism and only a modest amount about Taoism and Buddhism I found these aspects of NWfT to be distracting.

Given these relative weaknesses I rate it as 3 stars. Readers with more patience and/or more knowledge of these other religions would probably give it a higher rating.

[Sparkie Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nicely detailed journey through Algonquin culture, history and spirituality. I read this book probably 20 years ago and picked it up recently to re-read. It is a reminder of what is truly important, letting go and finding our balance.
It doesn't matter what religion you identify with. The spiritual issues and lessons overlap. Pritchard writes "The universe is big enough for all truth. We don't have to destroy someone else's to make room for our own."

[Kris L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome guide in listening to the Spirit.

[Mon Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I do not know of any belief system anywhere in the world that makes more sense, has more answers, or that is more artistically and emotionally satisfying than this one" agreed.

[Eyani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bible of sorts for the modern algonquin lifestyle and belief system. Goes to great length to compare or equate algonquin practices to those in other religions and cultures.

[Mare Cromwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very beautiful and rich in information about the Algonquin people. The author reveals some very amazing stories in his journey to rediscover his heritage as a part-M'ikmaq man. This book compelled me to try to step into the Algonquin culture and better understand their connection to Sacred and the Earth. I highly highly recommend this book to any who are seeking a stronger connection with the Earth.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a great deal about the Algonquin people in this little book. Having grown up in the land of the Lenape, it was an important read for my historical education. If I did not have an enthusiastic interest in understanding the accurate history of the indigenous people's of the US, I couldn't have found it nearly as interesting. Funny how much we take for granted in this country.

[Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one excellent book; very well written, with a wealth of timeless knowledge of the Algonquin nation. I find the Native American sensitivity and wisdom incredibly drawing. Here we find balance and meaning for all of creation. (Five +)

[Michele Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

intriguing way of looking at the world and even more intriguing style of writing. rather than conform to the strict norms of essay, Evan writes AS an Algonquin who sees the world in facets and levels. very cool.