Micmac of the East Coast. Rev. ed.

Lisa Arsenault is an elementary-school teacher in Ajax.

One of a series on Native people of Canada, this book describes the
history, customs, and beliefs of the Micmac Indians of the Maritime
Provinces. The way of life before Europeans arrived is described as
accurately as possible given that no documentation exists, and the
account of the period after the advent of white people is augmented by
the writings of contemporary explorers. The disastrous effects of
contact with Europeans, including disease, appropriation of land, and
dislocation, are dealt with factually and objectively. The account is
brought up to date with a description of current Micmac lifestyles.

This series is written specifically for the classroom at the
junior/intermediate level. Interspersed through the text are numerous
activities such as writing assignments, map-making, modelling, and
role-playing, which can be adapted for use by the individual or by the
class as a group. Maps, charts, photographs, and illustrations provide
further information, and there is a glossary of terms and a booklist
with notes. Stories recounted by fictional Micmac young people will
engage the interest and empathy of the peer reader. This well-written
volume should generate lively discussion and meaningful assignments in
the classroom. It is marred only by a considerable number of typing
errors. Recommended.