Ancient Land, Ancient Sky: Following Canada's Native Canoe Routes

Jo-Anne Mary Benson, the former book review columnist for Ottawa Parent
magazine, is an Ottawa-based freelance editor and writer.

Ancient Land, Ancient Sky is a worthy attempt to explore Native canoe
routes and the history of many of Canada’s Aboriginal peoples. For
four months, the authors flew from east to west in a small Cessna 172.
Their goal was to capture the Europeans’ sense of discovery when they
“rounded the bend in the river, walked into the village clearing or
struggled though the mountain pass—from the point of view of the
people who had been living in these homelands for thousands of years.”


The author’s modern-day adventure is smoothly blended with a wealth
of historical information. We are introduced to such unfamiliar names as
Danaiiwaad, Astchee, and Ktwaxa from Canada’s “old country,” and
we learn about various tribes, including the Shuswap, Algonquin, and
Secwepemc. A useful “Key to Aboriginal Nations” provides insight
into the complexities of each name; for instance, the Iroquois (Five
Nations) are composed of the Mohawk, Seneca, Oneida, Onondaga, and
Cayuga, but they are also referred to as the Rotinoshonni, the People of
the Longhouse. In addition, the authors reiterate the explorations of
such explorers as Champlain, Ross, La Verendrye, and Brыlé. Supported
by an extensive index, the book would make an excellent reference tool
for students.

Haimila’s background in law and work with a variety of Indian
organizations, including the Assembly of the First Nations, is
complemented by McFarlane’s work as a journalist (including a stint on
a CBC Native affairs program). Their partnership has produced a book
that would be a valuable addition to any library.