Heritage of the North American Indian People: Some Suggestions Emphasizing the Eastern Woodlands

Susan Perks, formerly a teacher and librarian, is a travel agent in
Thompson, Manitoba.

It is refreshing to find an easy-to-read, interesting, informative Canadian book about the Indian heritage. This book is divided into eleven chapters: an introduction, seven chapters on the different cultural areas, and a final three called “Revitalization Movements,” “Government Indian Policy,” and “Traditional World.” At the end of the book are references, readings, films, and 16 thought-provoking questions suitable for high school students.

The book itself is written mainly in chronological order, with passages on the Northwest Mounted Police, Louis Riel, Pontiac, Crazy Horse, and so forth. Legends, anecdotes, and even several recipes are included, which help to make this book fascinating. The black-and-white illustrations are clear and appropriate to the text. I was amazed at the amount of information presented in 176 pages.

This book is very positive in its outlook. The author adapts Indian philosophies to the present and to all peoples. An Indian reading this book would feel proud to be an Indian, through such statements as: “The social organization of the Iroquois Peace League compares favourably with the present-day United Nations and stands as a brilliant achievement in the record of institutions for peace” (p. 56). Indeed, reading this book has given me a new respect for the Indian heritage. I feel that it would be a valuable asset in any library, especially where there are patrons of native ancestry.