My Elders Taught Me: Aspects of Western Great Lakes American Indian Philosophy

By John F. Boatman

Book Overview

In this book the author examines various aspects of a selection of Western Great Lakes American Indian philosophical traditions and beliefs. He combines over forty years of stories, anecdotes, and observations learned from Western Great Lakes tribal elders into a coherent and thought-provoking philosophy text which challenges readers to look beyond their own cultural prepossessions and discover a method of asking questions where the answers come from within. Contents: Setting the Stages: From Another Perspective; The Atisokanak World; Creation and the Early "Earth World"; The Earth and its "People"; The Star People; The Inherent Primacy of Female Beings.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0819186910
• ISBN13: 9780819186911
• Release Date: June 1992
• Publisher: University Press of America
• Length: 84 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Information, great read

I bought this book for a class in First Nations Social Justice to give us a background on the American Indian culture and beliefs. This was one of my favorite books of the class. It was easy to read and understand as well as a great story. The author breaks down each concept such as the types of souls or beings in the "afterlife" and discusses their roles in it. From a western point of view, learning about the culture of the Great Lakes American Indians was a really interesting comparison that made me WANT to read a "text book." Highly recommended!

This is a great book.

I've had the pleasure of being taught by John Boatman at the University level... he is very knowledgeable and passionate about his subject. If you only read one book on this topic, this should be it.

An accurate description of the philosophy of Native American

The book is a quick read. It is written in plain language, but filled with forceful words. If all could read it- it would help make sense of alternative philosophies other than those of our European ancestors.

An accurate account of the old religion of the Great Lakes

In this book, Boatman tells us the stories, myths and legends of Western Great Lakes Native Americans. It is an insightful book of stories rendered directly from tribal elders. Boatman explains the reverance of all life held dear by Native Americans. He also explains the inconsistancies normally beheld in books on the subject written by outsiders and Europeans. This book is thought provoking and enlightening. We can all learn from these teachings, weather we are Native American or not. This is a universal book, filled with timeless lessons