A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest

by Robert H. Ruby, John A. Brown, Cary C Collins

The Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest inhabit a vast region extending from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean and from California to British Columbia. For more than two decades, "A Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest "has served as a standard reference on these diverse peoples. Now, in the wake of renewed tribal self-determination, this revised edition reflects the many recent political, economic, and cultural developments shaping these Native communities.

From such well-known tribes as the Nez Perces and Cayuses to lesser-known bands previously presumed "extinct," this guide offers detailed descriptions, in alphabetical order, of 150 Pacific Northwest tribes. Each entry provides information on the history, location, demographics, and cultural traditions of the particular tribe.

Among the new features offered here are an expanded selection of photographs, updated reading lists, and a revised pronunciation guide. While continuing to provide succinct histories of each tribe, the volume now also covers such contemporary--and sometimes controversial--issues as Indian gaming and NAGPRA. With its emphasis on Native voices and tribal revitalization, this new edition of the" Guide to the Indian Tribes of the Pacific Northwest" is certain to be a definitive reference for many years to come.

Genres: Native American, Reference, History, Nonfiction

464 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1986

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a reference book. I kept reminding myself. It's a reference book. It's a starting place. Just keep reading. It's a reference book.

I recommend this to a reader who wants to learn about the many, many tribes indigenous to the Northwest. I especially appreciate the discussions, brief though they are, of contemporary contributions. Far too often, White readers focus on some past era instead of on what we can learn about Native nations today. Also, I really like the "Suggested Readings" for each tribe so readers can branch off into academic articles or books which cover a specific field (i.e. spirituality, art).

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading and very educational. I skipped around a bit to focus my attention on the tribes local to where I lived. Skipping around was very easy and I appreciated the format, which detailed the tribes in alphabetical order. I read it on kindle, and I liked that there were clickable links within the chapters to other chapters when tribes were related in some way.

[Elaine C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Detailed info on each of the approx. 166 tribes in Pacific NW. Good reference.

[Marita · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Who's who of Native American tribes. Nice if small pictures.

[Mills College Library]

979.501 R897 2010