Customer Reviews (5)

Stories
This book tells the life of Natives in the same way they would tell it--with stories. You feel dropped into another world than our fast paced life in the so-called urban landscape. You have to slow yourself down to step in and then it greets you and pulls you deeper. It fills you up with images that heal and restore you. An deeper view of Reality.

What I am reading, by Alice Walker
This is the book that has been on my nightstand for the past several months. I read several pages each night. It is a big book, over 800 pages, written like a poem, and almost impossibly precious. The wisdom between its covers is astounding. For what this book teaches is something we, at this time in history, desperately need to know: how to start anew after devastation. How to be a whole people after we've been reduced to fragments. It teaches that the wisdom is within us, to survive, to begin again, to thrive. Hallelujah.

Wow
Sad, beautiful, wonderful, wise, haunting, and totally relevant to our global issues of change. Destructive paths happen easily. Creative paths are contingent.

compelling narrative Iroquois history=textbook on learning
This is a great story, compellingly told with simplicity and beauty.It also happens to be the best single book I've ever read on "organizational learning."

The "Walking People"left central Asia and walked across an ocean, over to another ocean andback to the great lakes.On their way, they had to learn to deal with anever changing circumstance, both physical and social.In order to survive,they learned how to learn as a people more and more effectively.

Thisstory deals with issues such as the balance between diversity and unity,how to honor individual styles of learning and use these to help thecommunity, ageism, sexism, racism, cooperation and competition, the balanceof long term goals and short term necessities, planning and improvisation,war and peace.

Are you beginning to get the picture?This should beread by everyone, but at least by anyone who teaches or manages people.Ifa CEO or Senator reads one book in this millennium to prepare for the next,this should be it.

Real stories about real people from long ago-A MUST READ
Most of our historical evidence about the lives of our ancestors is in the form of tools, bones, fragments of pottery and cloth, and rock paintings. What was daily life really like before even these artifacts were tools? Perhaps something else did survive . . . In "The Walking People",Paula Underwood presents stories of real events lived by real people fromthe oral tradition of her people.Not a collection of mythological tales,they cover a span of history, geographical locations and events that isintellectuallly staggering and nearly impossible to put down.These arethe stories of the Oneida people "from the beginning" which tracetheir intentional wanderings over three continents including how theycrossed what is probably the Bering Strait, explore the events anddecisions that made them who they are, and record some of their tantalizingencounters with other people.These are also teaching stories and can beunderstood on many levels intellectually and emotionally, individually andcollectively.They can be seen as a straighforward historical account; anabsolute literary delight; the unfolding of a people's culture and society;a presentation of the development of individuality (ego); a process oflearning how to learn; an anthropological exlposion of possibilities; theevolution of scientific experimentation and evaluation; a description ofordinary living in various times; stories of individual lives andcommitments - and so much more. I have read "The Walking People"cover to cover at least a dozen times, each immersion bringing fresh andexpanding comprehension.The language used and the physical presentationon the page combine to make reading this book a nearly "auditory"experience.It invites the reader to walk with these people through time,participating in their experiences, sharing the tears of theirmisjudgments, the joy in their masterful accomplishments, and the reliefthat the laughter at their predicaments brings.It is a most extraordinaryglimpse into the perceptions and thinking of real people in ancient andhistorical times.It is very difficult to describe the deep psychologicaleffect of perceiving the actual voices and syntax of people who livedthousands and thousands of years ago - suddenly, "history"becomes an intimate, personal reality.Almost understated in terms oftoday's world of extremism, rampant emotionalism and dramatic egotisticalconflicts, these stories carry a haunting impact quietly hidden in thesimple, direct telling that spares nothing.I have no doubt that thesestories have been kept accurately for millenia. This is the firstpresentation I have found that is a sharing of one Native American people'sheritage; it has been my experience that such depth has either been lostaltogether or is usually carefully preserved as part of the private,heartfelt identity of the Original People of America.Paula Underwood'sgenerous recounting of the Oneida oral tradition is a stunning andmanumental achievement in language and scope of material, a very specialand unique gift to whoever cares to explore its pages."The WalkingPeople" blows the western world's catalog of knowledge to the winds,tatters our self-imposed limits regarding what is possible and how thepossible may be accomplished, and rebuilds hope in a positive way -provided we can perceive the possibilities contained inthis true epic saga. It is a sharing of the soul for the soul, touching the essence of us all. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

This magnificent collection of Native American folktales will fascinate the reader!Da neho!
Can you imagine a world without stories?It is true that a long time ago "there were no stories."It was just plain, old boring sitting around without having anyone tell a funny tale, a fanciful one or better yet, one that made the listeners excited and motivated.Gaqka (Crow) was a Seneca Indian boy who was an orphan that no one would pay any attention to because he was a slovenly looking thing.Without anyone to take care of him, what could they expect?One day when he was out hunting he had an amazing experience.A great stone began to talk to him and told him a story.He listened to the stone's instructions and at the end the stone said "Da neho," or "I have spoken."

Gaqka began to tell these tales to his people who gave him small treasures in exchange.He "continued to return to the great stone for more tales to share with his people each night."Eventually he became a well-respected member of his tribe and his name was changed to "Hage-ota, the storyteller."And that is how stories began.In this book you will travel the northeast, the southeast, Great Plains, the southwest, California, the northwest and to the far north listening to the legends of our Native Peoples.The people who speak in this book are the Seneca, the Lenape, the Wampanoag, the Seminole, the Creek, the Choctaw, the Cheyenne, the Lakota, the Blackfeet, the Pawnee, the Hopi, the Navajo, the Isleta Pueblo, the Maidu, the Miwok, the Pomo, the Wiyot, the Salish, the Yakama, the Wasco, the Aluutiq, the Inuit and the Koyukon Alhabascan.

If this marvelous book were expanded into a lengthy series, it would be well received by anyone who has taken a peek inside these pages.Each grouping of stories is introduced by a brief cultural history of tribes and a description of the topography of the land.Each story has a brief introduction. For example, one introduction read,"Pueblo tradition says that there must be balance in all things.Earth and sky are in balance, as are the seasons.So, too, as this tale explains, are darkness and light."The very appealing folk art is scattered throughout the text.This is a magnificent collection that would be welcome on any homeschool or classroom shelf. Da neho! ... Read more

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Giving Thanks is a special children's version of the Thanksgiving Address, a message of gratitude that originated with the Native people of upstate New York and Canada and that is still spoken at ceremonial gatherings held by the Iroquois, or Six Nations. Full color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A beautiful message for people of all faiths
What a lovely, touching book. I think I'll read this at the table this Thanksgiving, although it is a book for everyday thanks, not really for Thanksgiving, the American holiday.
I was disturbed by the one critical review and I cannot help responding to it.
Yes, this book is written as a Native American message, and while I am not Native American, I love wisdom, spirituality, love, and reverence from all traditions. It doesn't threaten my beliefs, nor will it confuse my child, for me to share knowledge of other cultures. How sad to refuse that opportunity, in fear.
I was very saddened to hear a reviewer say that since they follow/love Jesus, the book wasn't for them. When one's spirituality becomes so divisive, I think it is time to wonder if Jesus, or Mohamed, or Buddha, or any person of God would really want us to disregard beauty and prayer from other traditions, and to separate ourselves from each other. It really bothers me to see such a stance. It is this kind of attitude that gives religion a bad taste for many.
This is a book with Native American words of thanksgiving, which one could easily discern from the title. If you don't want to see beautiful pictures of Native American people and nature, don't buy it. If you don't want to read an uplifting message because it didn't come from your tradition, don't buy it.
If you do want to teach your children to love, unconditionally, and to treasure this earth and the animals and people on it, this book is for you. I love it and am going to buy a copy for each of our friends.

Giving Thanks
This is another great book that teaches children to appreciate the earth, which God or the Creator has given us.The pictures are beautiful and so is the message.This is a must-have book for any child's collection.

we love it!
i bought this book for our family to read as my daughter began studying native american culture in 2nd grade.i especially liked it, as i am quite fond of the topic of gratitude and i have been fortunate to participate in a number of native american traditions and rituals over the years.so, this book provided me with an opportunity to do my favorite thing - tell my children stories about the time that i ...well, this book is beautifully illustrated and masterfully written for young children to better understand native american culture.the values of tradition, honor, respect, faith are consonant with all cultures and traditions and this makes a nice adjunct for anyone with other beliefs who wishes to better understandthis tradition.as such, the one reviewer who gave this a "3" ought to be separated in the mind of the review-reviewer who sees a dozen "5" stars and a single "3".this is worthy of an A+ and it comes highly recommended!!!

Great Book!!!
I bought this little book for my children to use as a nightly tribute to our gracious Mother Earth and it was all I expected and wanted it to be.The children love the pictures and the message contained exemplifies our beliefs and concerns.I would recommend this book to any family, no matter what their spiritual tradition.

Giving thanks......
The title speaks for itself. A beautiful native american for a child. Great read. Would certainly order again from Amazon.com. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Presents oral Native American stores and insightful comments
Native American Oral Traditions: Collaboration And Interpretation is an impressive collection of seven sets of intercultural authors, who present oral Native American stores with insightful commentary that adds perspective and discovery to these already fascinating stories. This body of oral literature, all of which comes from the American West, has been passed down through centuries and includes material from tribal sources ranging from the Yupik in the Arctic to the Yaqui in the Sonora Desert. Highly recommended for Native American Studies reading lists and reference collections. ... Read more

Product Description
Tricky Rabbit must use all his wits, pranks, and clever deceptions to keep himself out of trouble, in a collection of entertaining traditional Native American folktales. Reprint. AB. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Move over, Brer Rabbit...
If you like Brer Rabbit tales, you'll like these Tricky rabbit tales from Native Americans.One or two are similar to African-American Brer rabbit tales, some of which apparently were told in some Native American communities.For instance, there is a tar wolf instead of a tar baby in a similar "you can do whatever you want, but don't throw me in the briar patch" story.Each tale is followed by a short historic background description- who told it, and which tribes it originated from.My seven year old enjoyed the stories a lot, so they do have pure entertainment value. ... Read more

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These are Joe Hayes' personal selections from the legendsof everyone's favorite prankster. Coyote's foolish antics have longbeen a source of entertainment as we watch him outsmart himself timeand time again. These stories also teach us many of the origins ofNative American myth and spirituality. Ten tales sure to delightreaders of all ages. With exquisite pencil Illustrations by LucyJelinek, this collection continues the Mariposa tradition of producingfine books. ... Read more

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Magic.The world is full of magic.It's everywhere ..."When I was eight or nine - or maybe ten or eleven - I don't remember for sure now, Klopinum would share her stories with me."And thus it begins, the long-awaited successor to Anne Cameron's ground-breaking Daughters of Copper Woman. Magic in many incarnations - mischievous, terrifying, benevolent, erotic-suffuses the pages of this extraordinary collection, from the humourous tales of the trickster Raven through the feminist fable of the bearded woman to the myth of the lazy boy who was reared by whales and saved the world, climaxing with the epic story of the mythical superwoman Dzelarhons - First Mother, Frog Mother, Weeping Woman, guardian and teacher of her people.Praise for Daughters of Copper Woman:"... an enchanting, uplifting revelation."-Ottawa Citizen". . . startling mix of the exotic, the repellent, and the fantastic ... a unique book, a work thick with substance and extraordinary life."-Vancouver Sun"... the underlying vision, though tender, has the thrust and the strength of steel."-Quill & Quire ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Well-written Native American tales
Despite the subtitle, this is not a typical folklorist collection of myths. Cameron modifies these stories and imbues them with her literary style and philosophy of life. She ably merges contemporary themes with the traditional tales of the Pacific coastal Indian of Canada - which is another refreshing aspect of this book, as most published Native American myths and legends focus on Plains and Southwest nations. The result of Cameron's masterful storytelling is a set of alluring, eerie and sometimes humorous stories. Particularly interesting is "The Bearded Woman," something of a feminist fable. Also fascinating is the central story "Dzelarhons," which is an epic spanning many generations and several different yet somehow related women named Dzelarhons. Among other things, this story serves as something of an allegory for history and human relations in general. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Wonderful book!
I had been searching for a book of Native American star lore, and hit the jackpot with this book: Stars of the First People by Dorcas S. Miller.

This book covers some Greek Mythology and whereabouts of the common constellations so that the reader has a basis to start with, and can find the star patterns mentioned in the book.
The book is then broken into sections of North America by going over the tribes that lived in each place. It covers not only that tribes star lore, but goes into detail about how each tribe lived, such as food/shelter/migrating habits, so that the reader can easier understand how certain elements follow into the star lore.

With over 300 pages of detailed information this is a wonderful book and I am happy to own it!

More hopeful than the Greeks: Native American star myths
Dorcas Miller's book is a gateway into our North American sky. I have already given my first copy to a scout leader. Her organization is superb: sky-watchers can pick a star or constellation and use the reference guide to access all its stories; ethnographers can follow the chapter organization by region and tribe. I will annotate her lists as I add other sources and tales.

Miller starts with the conventional Greek constellations that still map our sky for professional astronomers, providing myth summaries and seasonal sky maps. Her stick figures of these constellations are a delight and I copy their details onto the daily sky charts from the internet.

Both the Greeks and our First Peoples filled their skies with peoples and animals. Only a few identities, such as bear and dog, straddle both hemispheres. Greek heroes and heroines may be banished forever to the sky by the action of the gods as punishment, or placed by a friendly god to protect them from the angered one. Animals and humans are often antagonists. I can't think of a creation myth. The dead didn't go there.

Our First Peoples connection with the sky seems ongoing and personal- get lost and you may wander into it. Die and you may walk up the Milky Way, past guides and obstacles. Suffer and you may find an opening to the sky or a rescuer who will take you into it; you may be homesick, come and go, but finally choose the sky. If you navigate by the stars, why not? It may be a refuge. The myths feel contemporary, the characters often ordinary, and creation feels recent. The animals may be small and hungry, brave or lazy.

Miller provides the myth texts as she finds them, supplementing with discussion and drawings- maps of their known or probable stars and historic diagrams such as rock art that may be relevant. The bibliography is broad. This book will be a good anchor for collecting other North American books coming into print or reprint.`

a well-rounded presentation of North American star lore
Curious about the stories that different Native American peoples told about the stars? Dorcas Miller's "Stars of the First People" will go a long way towards satisfying your curiosity. Focusing on the peoples of North America, she has pulled together a robust collection of tales and star lore and grouped them by region. Plentiful sketches, star maps, and charts accompany the text to provide a visual reinforcement of the material contained in the stories.

In addition to the star lore, Dorcas has also included a decent amount of background information on the individual tribes to help the reader better understand the context of the star stories. In the back of the book you'll find an extensive set of notes and bibliographic references for those interested in further reading on this subject.

Don Childrey, author of "STAR TRAILS - Navajo"

Well-written book with information hard to find elsewhere
This is one of the most complete set of Native American star legends that I have seen. The author first reviews the standard Greek and Roman myths that have given us our constellation names. For each region of NorthAmerica, he devotes an entire chapter to star legends from indigenouspeople that live in that region. At the end of each chapter he listsstandard constellations and groups and the Native American legends behindeach, and at the end of the book he provides an overall listing. Someinteresting similarities come out - for example, the Big Dipper is a bearin standard Greek and Roman and in many Native American myths, and Siriusis a dog or wolf star in standard and in Native American myths. The storiesare well written and can be used anywhere where storytelling is called for- for example, to groups of children. For a good summary of Native Americanmyths, look to this volume. I just wish there was a similar compendium ofALL the world's indigenous star myths. ... Read more

Product Description
Five Classic Native American books by Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa):Indian Boyhood, Indian Heroes And Great Chieftains, The Indian Today, The Past and Future of the First American, Old Indian Days, and The Soul Of The Indian:An Interpretation. According to Wikipedia, "Charles Alexander Eastman (February 19, 1858 - January 8, 1939) was a Native American writer, physician, and reformer. He was of Santee Sioux and Anglo-American ancestry. Active in politics and issues on American Indian rights, he also helped found the Boy Scouts of America....He was named Hakadah at his birth on a reservation near Redwood Falls, Minnesota. In Dakota, Hakadah means the "pitiful last", as his mother Mary died at his birth. He was later named Ohíye S’a (Dakota for "wins often") after winning a rough game of lacrosse....In 1933, Eastman was the first to receive the Indian Achievement Award." ... Read more

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The timeless wisdom of the native American oral tradition comes alive in a collection of the words of Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, Black Elk, Red Cloud, and others. Book available. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

NATIVE AMERICAN VEIWS ON RELIGION
THIS BOOK SHOULD BE READ BY EVERYONE IT TELLS THOUGHT OF THE INDIAN WAYS. SOME OF IT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES BECAUSE OF THE TRUTH THATS IN THIS BOOK. THANKS TO AMAZON.COM ROBERT F. SCHRAMM

Good Read
Good look at the belief system of Native Americans. Would recommend to anyone as a starting point to learning the belief system of the original Americans.

timeless wisdom
This is an excellent book compact in wisdom. Good to have on hand if you only have 5 min here or there to read. It refreshes you.

Native AmericanWisdon(The Classic Wisdon Collection
I think i would like this book very much if they would just send it to me.I also am still waiting on a game that's not come also
So take it from there

Small book
This was a very small book of short quotes from Indians.It was mildly interesting but not as inspirational as I thought it would be. ... Read more

Product Description
The Native American tradition of the give-away takes a new form in this engaging dialogue between the Whooping Crane, the Snow Goose, Old Beaver, Grandmother Turtle, the Wind, the Ancient One, and the Creator as well as others. Children of all ages will learn that giving is more than just gifting; it is denying oneself so that another may have a better way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Presentation of a Cultural Key to American Indian Religious Tradition
Written by a Lakota/Tlingit/Scots author, this story introduces the Incarnation of Jesus, beginning from the animistic worldview of many tribal peoples.The illustrations in Buckley's books feature recognizable artistic motifs from pan-tribal Native American culture to produce an effect that is strikingly beautiful.

In the opening scene, the animals hold a counsel under a Great Tree in which they lament the fallenness of humanity.Each animal offers a gift to help the humans learn to do what is right; then the Creator speaks, promising the gift of Himself as a small baby who will bring hope to the world.

Scripture teaches that the creation does serve as a testimony to the character of God:

19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. (Romans 1:19-20a)

This story takes the creation's testimony a step further by giving animals and trees personhood and volition.This anthropomorphism is troubling for biblical Christians because in traditional tribal religion, animals and plants are viewed as having spirits of their own, similar to those of humans.Animals are often referred to as "relatives" of people, and the idea of humans ruling over the world as the crown of God's creation is usually rejected.

Still, in the biblical tradition it is obvious that humanity's fall into sin has caused other created beings to suffer under our choices, although they are innocent of our rebellion:

19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:19-21).

Additionally, the concept of animals making sacrifices on behalf of humanity is played out in covenantal history, from the time God killed animals to make clothing for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21) through the Hebrew tradition of sacrifice (See Genesis 4:3-4, Genesis 8:20, Genesis 46:1, Job 1:5, and many others).Animal death was necessary because "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins" (Hebrews 9:22).In the Jewish religious tradition, this principle kept the Children of Israel in the fellowship and fear of God until Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to fulfill the law, die as the final sacrifice for sin, and restore humanity to Himself.

What Buckley is attempting in this story is to portray an animistic religious teaching, and then show how it is completed through Christ.Don Richardson describes this as a cultural key -- an element of culture which can be used to unlock a door for the Gospel (The most famous example of this is probably the Apostle Paul speaking on Mars Hill).The cultural traditional belief poses a question which can only be answered by Jesus.In this case, the animals are depicted as attempting to influence humans by their actions, but it is clear their plan will not be effective.The Creator counters their plan by stating that their gifts are incomplete, and the only answer to human sin is the gift of Himself: "It is I who must give myself away.I must give-away my protection and come vulnerable to their lodges.I must choose to become small, so that they can choose to know me large.I must give-away my Name so that they can know their names" (25).This action presents a Gospel solution to the culturally-interpreted problem.

Buckley states in his preface that "the message of Jesus becomes one not only of restoring humanity to God, and human-to-human, but also of restoring humanity to 'all our relations.'"This phrase, often used in the same way as "Amen", expresses the traditionally indigenous idea that all beings are connected to one another.By invoking this phrase, Buckley is making an explicit claim that the Christian Gospel answers questions left unanswered by American Indian religious tradition.Since he does not address the biblical admonition for humans to rule over creation, and since he plays off of traditional animism rather than confronting it head-on, some may feel he skirts too close to the line between cultural contextualization and syncretism.However, I believe the story succeeds in its goal of introducing the Gospel in a culturally understandable way.This is a very beautiful and unique Christmas book, which should be presented with careful discussion of its deep spiritual themes.

Give-Away, excellent choice
Wonderful combination of christian & earth-centered storytelling. Not dumbed-down for children, yet totally accessible. Lovely artwork. Inspires dialogue with readers on what we have to "give-away."

Refreshing Viewpoint
The best book I have ever read regarding the birth of Christ from an aboriginal viewpoint. Those in the pulpit need to move over and make room.

Great story for adults and children
I became aware of this book yesterday when I heard Ray Buckley read it at a Christmas Tea & Tree for the Red Bird Missionary Conference. The book touched the hearts of each of those present. Small children, youth and adults were warmed with the story.

The Give-Away is for all families, with children and without. It would be an excellent resource to give to families that do not attend church.

Ray re-presents God's story of love and self-giving by sharing from his tradition the story of giving.

Beautiful Story - great illustrations.
The Give-Away is beautifully written and illustrated. Mr. Buckley's story is simply the story of Christmas, based on the tradition shared by many Native people known as 'the give-away." A friend recommended this book and I share that recommendation with you. The Native people have much to teach in their tradition of the give-away. ... Read more

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Salish Myth & Legends
This was written by my cousin, a linguist.It was hard reading for me, and some I did not understand.What I did understad was enjoyable. I intend to study it further, as I took notes, to ask Terry. ... Read more

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Einhorn, a rhetorical scholar, explores the rich history of the Native American oral tradition, focusing on stories, orations, prayers, and songs. Because American Indians existed without written language for many generations, their culture was strongly dependent on an oral tradition for continuity and preservation. Not surprisingly, they spent many hours perfecting the art of oral communication and learning methods for committing their messages to memory. Einhorn thoroughly examines the important aspects of this unique oral tradition from a rhetorical perspective, covering individual speakers, nations, and time periods. ... Read more

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Exquisite
Any project Tamarack is involved in is high quality.And this one is.Simply exquisite.Covers areas not covered anywhere else in Anthropology.This is beyond anthropology, this is putting the heart of a culture on paper, almost, in a beautiful way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

terrific assortment
Gifford offers us a unique assortment of myths and legends representative of a widely diverse set of cultural traditions spanning from "south of the Border" to the virtual igloos of Tierra del Fuego. A wide array of peoples, ranging from the highly stratified and ritualized (e.g., the Aztec [who, BTW, called themselves the Mexica] and the Maya) to neolithic forest peoples (I forget the specific tribes, but comparable to, say, the Sharanahua or the Yanomamo or the Jivaro). The stories are intriguing; a spectrum of unfamiliar animals are anthropomorphized to yield a truly unique set of deities; and, to say the least, the hand-painted color illustrations are utterly breathtaking and should richly contribute to younger readers' enjoyment of the stories.

By the way, if you thought you recognized the cover image (supra) of the eagle and the serpent atop the cactus, you thought correctly. That archetype--which announced to the Mexica that they had found their homeland, the high-altitude swamp in which they were to erect their capital--forms the seal of the green, white, and red flag of Los Estados Unidos de Mexico. ... Read more

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Anthropological and psychological analysis by Radin Kereny and Jung of the voraciously uninhibited episodes of the Winnebego Trickster cycle. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

The Ancient Roots of Wile E. Coyote

This is a venerable book first having been published in 1956. Its continuing ready availability over sixty years later speaks to its importance in the field of mythology.

Radin contributes the majority of the essays that make up the book and incorporates additional perspectives by Kerenyyi , Jung, and Stanley Diamond. Included are in depth studies of the Winnebago Trickster and Hare Cycles as well as summaries of the Assiniboine and Tlingit Trickster myths.

The picture that emerges of the Native American expression of this pervasive archetype is comprehensive, deeply researched, and yet very accessible. It will be of value to students of cultural anthropology, as well as those of comparative religion and psychology.

In addition, however, and more unexpectedly it's also an interesting and entertaining read for the layperson.

Be forewarned though - no mention of the road runner is to be found.

The trickster at about as strange as it can get
Broken Film: Poems

Raul Radin's The Trickster presents one of the more refreshingling un-filtered American Indian story cycles.Given its age the language does tend to be a bit creaky and the pacing can be a bit slow for modern tastes.But very few readers will fail to have at least one or two well worn scales ripped from their eyes by shocks to either narrative expectation or standard decorum as they work their way through this amazingly fertile and amusing myth.

It is best to treat the tellings in this volume as transcripts, and then to replay them in your imagination to amplify the humor and humanity that are sketched out in the linear renderings.

There is great stuff here when you replay it in the windmills of your mind.

Used but new(ish)
Bought used for a very good price. Book in excellent condition. Came in mail in a matter of a few days.

Good myth but bad commentaries
The Trickster myth is hilarious and it shows how myths can shape people's psyches. The commentaries are somewhat disappointing, though. You must have a big interest in the subject to enjoy this book.

Coyote on the couch
Although occasionally dry, the connection between myth and psych is touched on here - distinguishing this material from more conventional anthologies of Coyote/Trickster legends.I might suggest the more readableJoseph Campbell, and indeed there's a bit of a connection between the twowriters, and Carl Jung.

There's new material here, even if a little toointellectual for some.Some of the legends were new to me, and thevaluable tidbits made it worth wading through.Jung's contribution isunique.In summary:It's a slower read, but worth the effort. ... Read more

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The flagship book in the Keepers of the Earth series is an environmental classic for teaching children to respect the Earth. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Lovely storytelling
These are stories from the various First Nations. They are well told. Get this for your kids. In an age of instant media, the storyteller's art is one that is timeless, connecting us to our oral past. Make sure that it connects to our future, too.

how thunder and earthquake made ocean
I thinck this book was a litte shourt and I most whated to read it and it was very good but there needs to be more but it was good about the the village and tunder and earthquake so was ok right on the good marck so that's why I ratind it with 3 stars.

HowThunderAndEarthquake MadeOcean
ThereasonIgaveit4starsisthatIlikedthedrawing
andillustrationonthepictures.AlsoIthoughtitwas
reallycreativehowtheytraveledallaroundtheworld
tomakeanocean.IreallywasintothebookwhenI
wasreadingit.Ilearnedfromthatbookthatyoushould
alwaystrytohelpsomeonethatreallyneedshelp.Ialsothoughtthatitwas prettycoolhowEarthquakeand
Thundermadeocean.Ifyouhaveanyqestionsabout
thebookwelldon'taskmegoaheadandreadityour
self.

Environmentally Aware!
This book is a fascinating way to help children connect with the natural world while teaching important environmental concepts. It comes with a guide to use the book effectively, and is divided into sections of special topics. Each section contains a Native American story, discussion ideas, interesting questions, and related indoor and outdoor activities. These activities can be accomplished without expensive materials, often in or near the home or school. Oh, by the way, adults will learn from this book also!

Great for Homeschoolers
I am a homeschooling mom and I bought this book to use with my kindergartener. This is an amazing book that combines social studies and science wonderfully. It contains alot about american indian beliefs and practices, distinguishing between the many tribal groups and traditions instead of lumping them all into one large culture. It uses indian legends as a jumping off point to study the environment, how it affects us and how we affect it. ... Read more

Product Description
Teaching Spirits offers a thematic approach to Native American religious traditions.Through years of living with and learning about Native traditions across the continent, Joseph Epes Brown learned firsthand of the great diversity of the North American Indian cultures.Yet within this great multiplicity, he also noticed certain common themes that resonate within many Native traditions.These themes include a shared sense of time as cyclical rather than linear, a belief that landscapes are inhabited by spirits, a rich oral tradition, visual arts that emphasize the process of creation, a reciprocal relationship with the natural world, and the rituals that tie these themes together.Brown illustrates each of these themes with in-depth explorations of specific native cultures including Lakota, Navajo, Apache, Koyukon, and Ojibwe.
Brown was one of the first scholars to recognize that Native religions-rather than being relics of the past-are vital traditions that tribal members shape and adapt to meet both timeless and contemporary needs. Teaching Spirits reflects this view, using examples from the present as well as the past.For instance, when writing about Plains rituals, he describes not only building an impromptu sweat lodge in a Denver hotel room with Black Elk in the 1940s, but also the struggles of present-day Crow tribal members to balance Sun Dances and vision quests with nine-to-five jobs.
In this groundbreaking work, Brown suggests that Native American traditions demonstrate how all components of a culture can be interconnected-how the presence of the sacred can permeate all lifeways to such a degree that what we call religion is integrated into all of life's activities.Throughout the book, Brown draws on his extensive personal experience with Black Elk, who came to symbolize for many the richness of the imperiled native cultures.This volume brings to life the themes that resonate at the heart of Native American religious traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Testimonial Of The Traditional Ways Cherished By My Mentor And Friend, Dr. Joseph Epes Brown: Thank You
When "Teaching Spirits: Understanding Native American Religious Traditions" appeared on my monitor screen as a recommended book to go with the book I had just purchased, both my time spent with Joseph and the day I learned of his death flashed, like an electrical shock, through my mind.Due to mental and physical health reasons, I have not kept up with books in my fields of study, and only recently have I started to try reading again.Thus I was unfamiliar with "Teaching Spirits," although I knew Elenita Brown (Joseph's wife), Emily Cousins, and Marina Weatherly Brown (Joseph's daughter and I took one of Joseph's classes together), who together compiled and edited the material presented in this book.I unhesitatingly bought the book and have spent the last two weeks reading and re-reading the book--often having to set the book aside for a while to gather myself from long buried memories brought forth from reading.

I first learned of Joseph Epes Brown when I read his seminal book, The Sacred Pipe: Black Elk's Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux (Civilization of the American Indian Series), in 1972.When I left military duty in September, 1978, I decided to attend the University of Montana because their Native American Studies program was one of the best rated in the country.When I arrived on campus I quickly discovered that Dr. Joseph Epes Brown was teaching in the Religious Studies department, and made sure that I got enrolled into his "Introduction to Native American Religious Traditions" class.By this time, I had read "The Sacred Pipe" four or five times and was eager to learn more.Partially because the only "textbook" for the class was "The spiritual legacy of the American Indian (Pendle Hill pamphlet)," Joseph handed out a fairly extensive bibliography of suggested readings for the class, which most students circle filed; but I delved into it like a mad man.Within a week I was setting up appointments to meet with Joseph to discuss what I was reading.To the surprise of both of us, by the end of Fall Quarter, I had read every single book on the reading list.More importantly, Joseph asked me to stay at UM and pursue a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies in Native American Studies under his tutelage.

I continued to take classes from Joseph, graded exams for him, and acted as an unpaid teaching assistant until December, 1984.During that time, I not only learned much from Joseph, but participated in discussions with visiting scholars such as Peter Nabokov, Arthur Amiotte, and Rodney Frey (all mentioned in "Teaching Spirits") and visiting tribal elders, including the formidable medicine man, Walter Denny, from the Rocky Boy's Reservation.Needless to say, those were very exciting and invigorating times for me.

As I stated above, reading "Teaching Spirits" was frequently difficult for me, because the power of the words--even in their written form--was horrendous.Much to my shame and guilt, I have "forgotten" or "buried" much of what I learned, and have strayed far from the good red road and the traditional ways that I know are powerful.

Equally devastating for me were the memories brought to life of Joseph in the classroom, which at times are so vivid in the text of "Teaching Spirits," I was, for all purposes (like a PTSD episode), back in the classroom listening to Joseph "telling stories."I heard his quiet, barely audible voice weaving stories and ideas in a gentle circular path around the point he was trying to get the class to "verstehen."(I use the German word, "verstehen," because, while it is usually translated as "to understand," in German "verstehen" means more than comprehension or understanding.)I could see his slender, gentlemanly stature with a subtle smile "speaking" with his body and hands.For being in Joseph's presence was an experience in itself--if you allowed yourself to open your total awareness to him.

Joseph poignantly addresses the value of oral transmission in most chapters of "Teaching Spirits: Understanding Native American Religious Traditions."He addresses the loss that comes from converting to the written word: "Even our excessive and obsessive fix on the written word, for all its practical advantages, is possessed at great cost, of which we have become tragically unaware....For example, the act of reading itself conditions us to lineality." (p 48-49)Lineality is important to technological cultures, but disconnects the past from both the present and the future.Very few Native American languages have a future tense, and many do not have a past tense.Native American languages, then, seldom view things lineally.Joseph speaks eloquently in "Teaching Spirits" about this tragedy that we've become unaware of, and why language is so critical:

This situation may be called tragic, not because of some vague romanticism, but rather because it impoverishes non-Natives, who are therefore not aware of the remarkable range of sacred values embedded in such languages.A major contributor in the progressive compromising of tribal languages is the prejudicial assumption of the Western world that literacy is an unqualified good and an indispensable prerequisite for culture.The persistence of the prejudice against nonliterate [i.e., not "illiterate"] communication has contributed, perhaps more than any other element, not just to the compromise of most indigenous cultures of America but, in numerous cases, to their extinction, SINCE ULTIMATELY IT IS LANGUAGE THAT BEARS CULTURE.[p 41-42; Emphasis added]

Conversely, Joseph Brown points out "Where Native Languages are being thus sustained, oral traditions are communicating core values to all members of the tribe." (p 50)And culture is the source of sacred understanding and traditions.Indeed, language itself is sacred, and should be used cautiously, for even in literate cultures it is taken for granted that words are powerful.Yet, without traditions, the power of words can be weakened to the point that people do not even hear half the words spoken.Like speed reading, verbal communications have come to rely on the "listener" to fill in the missing words; and this often leads to loss of meaningfulness and even emptiness.

Unfortunately, as I read "Teaching Spirits," I knew all too well that it was not the same as actually being in the classroom.Nor did I miss the irony of having the written words before me instead of listening to the oral transmission of Native American Religious Traditions.This comprehension of the dialectical nature of "Teaching Spirits" became increasingly burdensome for me as I read the book, because I "knew" that anyone who had not heard Joseph, himself, speak would be missing or misunderstanding too much to fully appreciate it.That is because the oral traditions, so charismatically presented by Joseph, have far greater meaning (like the word "verstehen") than any written words--even his--can exposit.However, "Both Indian and non-Indian are engaged in a quest for the roots of lost heritages now increasingly understood to be essential if we are to reorient our cultures and lives toward values that express real human nature."And for Joseph, this is the essential meaning of"Teaching Spirits: Understanding Native American Religious Traditions."

Tackling this quest requires many things, but first and foremost--in my opinion--is the requirement of having an open and receptive mind.With an open mind, any and all religious traditions, including so called Western and Eastern religions, become paths to understanding.The more spokes in a bike tire, the smother the ride.Thus, for many Native Americans, and an increasing number of non-Native Americans, multiple paths enhance their religious traditions.However, one must be cautious, because simplistic mechanical adaptations loose the sacredness of those traditions:"If ritual acts do not derive from and express the sacred in this [traditional] way, if they are not consciously participated in, then the actions become pseudosham rites that not only are meaningless but lead to even deeper meaninglessness, the trivial and, at best, empty habit." (p 111)

Readers looking for a glimpse of Joseph Brown's wisdom will find that "Teaching Spirits" appropriately has seven chapters that encapsulate the underpinnings of Native American Traditions: 1) Back to Back; 2) Changeless at the Heart of Change--Concepts of Time and Process; 3) Fixing a Center--Native American Sacred Geography; 4) Silence, the Word, and the Sacred--Evoking the Sacred through Language and Song; 5) "There Is No Word for Art"--The Creative Process; 6) Relationships and Reciprocity--A Metaphysics of Nature; and, 7) A Unity of Experience--Purification, Expansion, and Identity through Ritual.As to comments in another review, I can promise you Joseph Brown is beyond proselytizing for any religion.In fact, that is one of the things missing from just reading the book: there is no interaction or clarification, when needed, to allow the student to come to their own conclusions.Yet, based on my experience working with Joseph, there are no correct or incorrect answers (to classroom exam question); rather, there are levels of understanding (basic knowledge; comprehension; application; analysis; and synthesis).

In the final analysis, however, I believe "Teaching Spirits" is a commemoration for the greatest scholar of Native American Religious Traditions.The text is drawn from student's class notes and Joseph Brown's written works, and the book is even written as if Joseph is telling the reader the "stories;"but it was not actually written by him.It was, according to the Introduction, written because "Former students repeatedly asked his family if they were publishing his notes and writings.In response, Joseph's family decided to compile a book that could help pass on his teachings." (xix-xx)Moreover, Emily Cousins added references and other supporting information to "augment and underscore" the text.

Knowing Joseph fairly well, I can bet that the notes and writings were cryptic, fragmented, and well used.That is, Joseph, to my knowledge, never used any lecture notes, outlines, or other typical teaching aides.He would simply jot a few words down--often at the end of class--for mnemonic purposes in making up the midterm and final exams.As such, he frequently re-used pieces of paper to keep track of things; and, more importantly, his classes were essentially spontaneous--as long as they related to the course itself.This may be why former students were interested in getting more information.Given the wide open nature of his classes, it was more, than less, probable that no two consecutive sections of a course got the same "information."(It certainly made sitting in on the same course more enjoyable!)Given, then, that "Teaching Spirits: Understanding Native American Religious Traditions" is really a tribute to Joseph Epes Brown and written "primarily" for former students I do not think that it would make a very good college textbook.But it is an excellent supplementary book, and one that many people would enjoy.If you are looking for something more substantial, I would highly recommend The Sacred: Ways of Knowledge Sources of Life, which is available from Amazon sellers, both new and used.(As I note in my review of this book, I used to use it as a textbook for introductory level Native American Studies courses.)

Thank you Joseph for being you, and for all you shared with others.You are missed, but not forgotten.

Please Note: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.

Teaching Spirits: Understanding Native American Religious Traditions
As a former student of the Joseph Epes Brown, I think Joseph expresses himself more clearly in this book than he was ever able to do in the classroom. It is the best summary of Native American religious traditions I have ever read.Delightful and surprising.I only wish he was still with us.

An informative book
I found this book a fascinating, especially for a required college textbook.In his introductary chapter, he is redundant and tries to give the air the Native American religions are much more full of meaning than Western European religions. I was glad to see the rest of the book didn't make such ethnocentric and blanketed statements.

The rest of the book is a quick overview of Native American religion. It explains in a very easy manner about the way they live and the differences in their cultures, and provides various examples and humorous stories to demonstrate Brown's findings.

In closing, I think this book is a must have for any anthropologist. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Very detail and a good reading
I agree this book doesn't go into detail about the significance of the myths or the specific stars that figured into the tales, but it does give a broad representation of the kinds of tales told by the various peoples. This makes it a lighter read and make also to any researcher a good initial guide for etnoastronomy.

broad overview of Native American star lore tales
"They Dance In The Sky" is divided into chapters that focus on particular regions of North America. Within each chapter are descriptions of the tribes in that region and then retellings of several of their star myths. At the end of each chapter the reader will find a listing of each tribe's constellations or important stars, and the Western equivalent, if known.

This book doesn't go into detail about the significance of the myths or the specific stars that figured into the tales, but it does give a broad representation of the kinds of tales told by the various peoples. This makes it a lighter read, and for some that's just right.

Don Childrey, author of "STAR TRAILS: Navajo, A Different Way To Look At The Night Sky" ... Read more

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A retelling of the Seneca creation story and prophesies for the future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Story of the Ages
Such an incredible story of the Native American beliefs of how the world came to be.An easy read, and a page turner....

Simply Beautiful
I first read this book about 15 years ago and it forever changed the way I viewed the natural world around me. The stones, the trees, the rivers became real and personal.I wish this book were required reading for every high school and/or college student.In a perfect world it would also be required reading for their parents.

Wonderful book for any Medicine Worker!
Jamies books are amazing expecially this one.This book's title is in the Rotunda of the Historical Society of Buffalo, NY, a city near and dear to my heart!Reading this book took me back to where I spent much time while growing up in the primal woods with the Standing People, along the Cattaraugus River and the cliffs. I would highly rate this book to anyone on the path.Thank You Jamie for sharing your knowledge of Mother Earth and the Stone People.

Other Council fires were here before ours
I love Jamie Sams style of writing, and she opened many doors that were closed lifetimes ago.
Other Council Fires Were Here Before Ours: A Classic Native American Creation Story as Retold by a Seneca Elder, Twylah Nitsch, and Her Granddaughter, Jamie Sams

Worth a look
Provides thoughtful insight into a much retold Native American story of previous yugas. Ought to be required reading for the future leaders of our world. ... Read more