Living Arctic - Hunters of the Canadian North

by Hugh Brody

Text and photos portraying the diverse native peoples who live in the Canadian arctic. Includes chapters on stereotypes, peoples, cold, meat, animals, mobility, authority, children, language, tradition, frontiers, and the politics of survival.

Genres: Anthropology

254 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

Reviews

[Peter Bennett]

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]

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

[Kendra]

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]

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