Customer Reviews (3)

Incredibly insightful!
I discovered the "Keepers" series two years ago. At first I was unsure of the format, and it took me a while to appreciate all the activities, but now they are the foundation in my homeschool curriculum.The stories and activities are suitable for a wide range of ages so that they may be used for years with the same child.There is so much depth and insight to all of the Keepers books that it is a compliment to any style of homeschool.For naturalists, home schoolers, un-schoolers, classical educators or public schools - these books are absolutely a must for every child living in North America!I can't say enough about these books.

Keepers Series
Joseph Bruchac is a natural stort teller. This whole series is wonderful. I have used these books with children from the ages of four through fourteen. But of all of them the cassette of The Keepers of the Animals is my favorite and the only one that I cannot keep because I am continually giving it away. It is not only the quality of Bruchac's voice but also the cadence that he brings to the telling that adds a resonance, a native rhthym to the stories, that enhances understanding. This is the way that these stories should be told and should be heard. Native American culture has a rich oral tradition and the sounds, the rhthyms of the language are an important part of the telling of a story. We may not have the sounds of the language per se except in the names but we can hear a little of the native cadence in Bruchac's delivery. These are wonderful tapes for small children and again this is my very favorite.

Bringing Native Stories to Life
I've been lucky enough to see Michael Caduto perform theseNative stories in person.He brings Native beliefs to life inunexpected and delightful ways.The stories he and Josheph Bruchac have put together here do the same thing.They give young readers a chance to explore Native cultures while they learn and enjoy the stories! In addition to Native tales, this book provides factual information and activities on nature and animals.It's an outstanding resource for teachers, parents, and kids of all ages. ... Read more

Book Description
Collected almost 100 years ago, these timeless tales reveal the central beliefs and guiding principles of Winnebago, Ojibwa, Menominee, and other peoples and provide a window into their outlook and aspirations. An introduction by historian Peter Iverson highlights the divergent ways Native American identity has been constructed through such legends ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Provides the reader with insights
Native American Legends Of The Great Lakes And The Mississippi Valley is an outstanding collection of legends, tales and myths drawn from the Native American peoples of the Great Lakes area, the Midwest, and the Mississippi River valley. This rich and diverse collection reveals the central beliefs and reflects the guiding principles of Winnebago, Ojibwa, Menominee, and other native tribes, providing the reader with insights into their outlook and aspirations. Native American Legends Of The Great Lakes And The Mississippi Valley is a welcome addition to personal, academic, and community library Native American Studies reading lists and reference collections. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Small book
This was a very small book of short quotes from Indians.It was mildly interesting but not as inspirational as I thought it would be.

Listen. Just listen and learn A Reverence For All Life
This is the way first nations taught their young. Listen, watch, let the meaning come to you. Don't grab for it. Have patience. Kent Nerburn gathered these pieces as a first step, a primer.
Here is a way for many to become aquainted with the high moral standard of a people who could not come to terms with the devistation, abuse and total disregard the northern europeans had for all that was sacred and essential to the Indians.
This is an opportunity to learn first hand the lesson that an ancestor might have gifted to you, and to decide what it means to your life and what you will do with this great gift.
Learning and following this guidance has brought many people closer to finding their own paths and a greater sense of freedom and peace.

There is a second book which also includes writings of others and Great Speeches of Leaders that should be read. "The Wisdom of The Native Americans"

The wisdom of the People
I have read the book and I have listened to the audio cassette, and while I recommend both, I find that I prefer the audio version. That is because, as the introduction points out, the Native American tradition was primarly a verbal one. This is magnificent, poetic, oratory and needs to be read aloud. And for a change, the audio version is totally unabridged. Moreover, the musical interludes by Carlos Nakai could not be more appropriate.

There is deep wisdom to these words of chiefs and holy men. There is nothing quaint or dated to these words. They are timeless. These people knew exactly what western civilization represented- they saw right through it and knew what it must lead to. Yet, they did not submit to it's slavery of spirit and body.

These men knew the Great Mystery first hand- they knew where the center of the world was.

Hoka Hey....

Changed my outlook on life
This is a wonderful little book. All quotations are printed in meditation format, and some are no longer than a few brief paragraphs. Others are as long as a page. They all rejuvenate my mind, like sitting next to a crystal stream in the forest. The font, spacing, and layout of the book are exquisite.

This book has meant so much to me for almost a decade. I still remember the time I found this book, and my initial reaction to the quotes within; imagine, a time when there were no high-rises on the American landscape, indeed, a time before it was called "America." A world before pollution and overpopulation were concerns. This afforded a connection with the world and a spiritual experience that none of us will ever truly know. This world is now gone, and if not for books like this its memory would not be preserved. This book helped make me more aware of Indian/Native American thought.

When the commotion of the world around you is overwhelming you, this book makes for a great escape. Especially insightful is the quote that reads, "We do not want churches because they will teach us to argue about God."

This book is a gem.

Rock on!
This book is fantastic!If you are considering purchasing it then do not hesitate. It is full of things that made me think. It is very educational and practical.I love it!It is helpful because it has such intellegent information in it.There are different passages in it from different Native Americans. There are several chapters, and background information about the Native Americans that were quoted in the book.I think it is an awesome book, and it had a great impact on me after reading it. ... Read more

Product Description
David Carson's personal story of his initiation into the mysterious healing rites of the Choctaw with medicine woman Mary Gardener. Through her teachings and his own mind-bending experiences, he gives us a glimpse into an alternate reality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Astonishing book takes you deep into the power of transformation
This is one of the wisest books to come down the pike in a long while in my humble opinion. Mr. Carson is a great story teller, Medicine Man, who understands the power of humility and transformation. This book is a wide ranging exploration of events in the authors life working with some powerful healers, elders, and medicine people. He documents the road of the healer and what is required to advance on this path of solitary intent, finding pain and suffering along the way, but also openning one to some astonishing vistas of spirt. This book is probably for healers and others who have already embarked off of the shores of a status quo sensibility to find and recover the authenticity of one's soul. It certainly is not a journey for the weak of heart. As the author notes, not everyone is called to this path, but for those who are, a vigilance of courage is required to walk the winding road ahead. As one goes further down this road mystery opens to reveal something not everyone is capable of understanding at this moment in time.

This is one of the best books on Medicine Power I have read in a long time; and Mr. Carson is a guide worth the price of admission. This book speaks to more than just one's mind, it grabs hold of one's soul and teaches it something profound.

David Carson's Journey
I love this book.It was so exciting to be reading his journey into Native American Medicine.My sister, Debby Cody, is a reader of the Medicine Cards and I admire David's expertise and his boundaries of what is best for him.

A survey of Native teachings and health insights which blends a memoir with a set of special reflections
David Carson is of Choctaw descent and has studied Native American spirituality since growing up in Oklahoma Indian country, but his latest CROSSING INTO MEDICINE COUNTRY is something more than spiritual reflection. Here he pursues initiation as a ceremonial healer with Choctaw medicine woman Mary Gardener, studying plant and animal forces and human energy manipulation for three years. Health and spirituality blend in a survey of Native teachings and health insights which blends a memoir with a set of special reflections.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Incredible Storytelling!
David, Thanks for sharing your gift of Storytelling!!

The entire book was incredibly mesmerizing -- couldn't put it down. The experiences Mr. Carson writes about with his teacher Mary Gardener are quite an adventure and very thought provoking. This book helped validate for me that there is so much more beyond this 3-D world we live in and to trust and accept what we see and feel in all of our experiences.

Mr. Carson speaks to bringing back our awareness to living in
harmony with the natural world and in so doing to see and feel the sacredness in all life. Maybe in reading this book more people will be able see the separateness we as a whole have created from nature and how being at One with all of life brings forth healing on all levels-- individually and for our dear Mother Earth.

This book really inspired me and touched my heart on so many levels. Great stuff!!

This is a keeper
I've had some extraordinary experiences reading this book. It feels like I'm there on the journey with him and some really amazing synchronicities have popped up again and again. Something like a holographic journey, this tale strikes a chord that goes straight to the heart of the reader. Great work, David Carson!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

poor preview of product
I do not actually own this book and probably will not.I was looking to see info on what is in the book pictures, quotes and so forth very little is given as an example.I am interested in this subject but will not buy something that may be poor quality it could also be very good but I don't/cant tell by what little is given as a preview. ... Read more

Book Description
More than 40 years ago, Thomas E. Mails began a personal exploration of the spiritual richness of traditional Native American customs and secret ceremonies. Using his gifts as a talented illustrator and writer, he tirelessly worked to bring the spiritual culture of Native Americans to readers until his death in November 2001.

The new edition of Secret Native American Pathways: A Guide to Inner Peace authentically details the religious beliefs and rituals of four major tribes (Apache, Cherokee, Hopi, and Sioux) as practiced since ancient times. In this beautifully illustrated "how-to why-to" book, Mails' includes instructions for applying Native teachings to contemporary life. His central premise is that each tribe he discusses has triumphed over adversity through "walking the pathways" that led to inner peace, and that each of us can use these pathways to find our own inner peace.

For more than a century, Native American medicine men have predicted the advent of a new era in which the spiritual practices of their peoples would be revered by the white man and the Native American alike. Thomas E. Mails could be considered a principal figure in helping that prediction come true. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Native American Pathways
Thomas Mails, a well known artist, spent most of his adult life painting Native American subjects and recording their vanishing culture. In Secret Native American Pathways Mails provides valuable information on Native rituals. A friend of some of the great Native American shamans and holy men of the last century Mails preserved much information about the spiritual paths of Native people. Mails died several years ago but the legacy he leaves in Secret Native American Pathways is invaluable and thanks to him will survive.

Don't waste your time, money, or energy on this book!
I detest writing negative reviews, but when the author says the following on page 230. My hands are tied.

"I do not in any instance give youenough guidance to duplicate any of the rituals. The native Americans wouldbe rightfuly displeased if I did, amd I would be breakingconfidences."

If Mr. Mails did not have permission to releaseaccurate information he should not have written the book!

Now to my minornitpicks about the book.

I was personaly offended at the title of chapter4 "Marauding Apache".

On page 189 Mr. Mails talks of women aswell as men being pierced in the sundance. Both sexes may participate inthe sundance but only the men are pierced.

On page 211, 258, and 259 theauthor discusses the Sioux medicine wheel, and he lists different colorsassociated with the directions.

Page 211& 259: West-Black, North-Red,East-Yellow, South-White.

Page 258: West-Black, North-White, East-Red,and South Yellow.

Page 258 has the correct color associations accordingto Nick Black Elk's vision, and these same colors are shown on the cover of"Native Wisdom" Ed McGaa.

I have no idea why the author wouldhave the colors right on page 258 and wrong again on the very nextpage.

If you have questions or comments E-Mail me. Two Bears.

Wah dohOgedoda ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Lovely storytelling
These are stories from the various First Nations. They are well told. Get this for your kids. In an age of instant media, the storyteller's art is one that is timeless, connecting us to our oral past. Make sure that it connects to our future, too.

how thunder and earthquake made ocean
I thinck this book was a litte shourt and I most whated to read it and it was very good but there needs to be more but it was good about the the village and tunder and earthquake so was ok right on the good marck so that's why I ratind it with 3 stars.

HowThunderAndEarthquake MadeOcean
ThereasonIgaveit4starsisthatIlikedthedrawing
andillustrationonthepictures.AlsoIthoughtitwas
reallycreativehowtheytraveledallaroundtheworld
tomakeanocean.IreallywasintothebookwhenI
wasreadingit.Ilearnedfromthatbookthatyoushould
alwaystrytohelpsomeonethatreallyneedshelp.Ialsothoughtthatitwas prettycoolhowEarthquakeand
Thundermadeocean.Ifyouhaveanyqestionsabout
thebookwelldon'taskmegoaheadandreadityour
self.

Environmentally Aware!
This book is a fascinating way to help children connect with the natural world while teaching important environmental concepts. It comes with a guide to use the book effectively, and is divided into sections of special topics. Each section contains a Native American story, discussion ideas, interesting questions, and related indoor and outdoor activities. These activities can be accomplished without expensive materials, often in or near the home or school. Oh, by the way, adults will learn from this book also!

Great for Homeschoolers
I am a homeschooling mom and I bought this book to use with my kindergartener. This is an amazing book that combines social studies and science wonderfully. It contains alot about american indian beliefs and practices, distinguishing between the many tribal groups and traditions instead of lumping them all into one large culture. It uses indian legends as a jumping off point to study the environment, how it affects us and how we affect it. ... Read more

Book Description
This first bestiary ever compiled from the Native American tradition brings forth sacred animal spirits and reminds us of our deep connection to Mother Earth. Powerful poems and meditations, legends and stories, show the helping and healing roles animals have played since the beginning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

DIfferent in a good way
This is a unique little book; part of it is traditional Native American chants and stories from various tribes, taken from interviews for The Bureau of Ethnology Reports.However, the author also provides his own meditations on these tales.The meditations are mindful of the ecological disasters that are destroying the world, piece by piece, as well as humanity's increasing detachment from Nature, and the importance of renewing that relationship before it's too late.

The book is divided up by region--tribes of the plains, of the Pacific coastline, the woodlands, etc.Interspersed among the meditations and stories are piece of information about the tribes themselves.It is a sensitive conveyance of tribal lore without being New-Age-crystally (with the exception of one tiny mention of the Natchez being a possible remnant of the Atlanteans, though the mention of it is rather ambiguous, more of a "By the way" kind of thing).

This is a good book for opening up your mind a bit more to the idea of all things being interconnected, particularly in regards to other animals.While occasionally it romanticizes the lives of various tribes, it lacks the "Hey!Look!We're really Indians!" feel of writers like Brooke Medicine Eagle.I would also recommend the idea of using some of the chants and meditations in here for personal totemic work and animal magic in general. ... Read more

Book Description
In this beloved Eskimo legend, an idle sleepyhead becomes the champion who saves his people from famine and disaster.

The Legends of the World opens readers' minds to the diverse cultures of Native America, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and the Americas through enchanting tales passed down through countless generations.Each book in the series features geographical, historical, and cultural information.Illustrated in full color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Eskimo legend of Ka-ha-si, the Strong One
I think of the Loon as the state bird of Minnesota, which it is, so the idea that it makes its way to the frozen North makes sense since I live in the frozen South.This volume in the Native American Legends series tells the story of Ka-ha-si, an Eskimo boy who lived with his mother in s small hunting village near the sea but who spends all of the day asleep by his lamp.Then one morning, before the sun was up, he was awakened by a beautiful black bird with white speckles on its back.The Loon had brought him a message from Ka-ha-si's grandfather.But first Ka-ha-si must do things to make himself strong for when his grandfather calls for him.

When a season of hunger comes to the village, the Loon tells Ka-ha-si to help his people.The other villagers doubt that the boy they call Lazy One can do what the best hunters cannot, but he surprises them, not once, but twice.Several more times the Loon awakens Ka-ha-si to tell him of a crisis that is affecting his people, and each time Ka-ha-si rises to the challenge.Finally the day comes when the Loon takes Ka-ha-si to his grandfather, and we learn why Ka-ha-si is known as the Strong One.

Of course, I like that at the end of this story the legendary figure of Ka-ha-si has an obvious corresponding figure from classical mythology, and hopefully young readers will pick up on the similarity.I am not sure if "Ka-ha-si and the Loon: An Eskimo Legend" provides an explanation for the way things are that many myths do, but it is still an entertaining tale.Then in the back of the book there is a look at the Eskimo culture, with maps and photographs (the latter coming mostly from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Washington Special Collections Division) covering their homeland, people, food, clothing, and shelter.This section also talks about the Eskimos today, with a list of important dates, and a glossary of terms from "caribou" to "umiak."

The watercolor illustrations by Reasoner show the variety in style and color of the parkas worn by the Eskimos.One of the strengths of this series is how it combines stories that are fairly detailed and complex with information on the history and customs of the Native Americans from which the story comes, which makes it stand out from other similar series.Other volumes in the Native American Legends series by Cohlene and Reasoner includes "Clamshell Boy: A Makah Legend," "Dancing Drum: A Cherokee Legend," "Little Firefly: An Algonquian Legend," and "Quillworker: A Cheyenne Legend." ... Read more

Book Description
This comprehensive collection of Native American folklore draws on a unique oral tradition, illuminating for students the very roots of Native American culture. Gathered from numerous tribes-Seneca, Hopi, Navaho, Creek, Cheyenne, Cherokee, and Blackfoot-these thirty-six stories, passed down through generations, are narrated by Dee Brown as they might be told around a campfire today. Updated for the modern reader, these tales capture the true spirit and flavor of Native American Mythology.With a new preface written by the author especially for this edition and attractive line illustrations by Native American Louis Mofsie, this unique is essential reading for a new generation of students interested in Native American culture and history, mythology and folklore, and cultural history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Around the campfire...
These stories have the fun, lessons, and morals that make you want to memorize them for the next time you're around a campfire.

They're great, because like most tales, they can be summarized in two sentences, yet withthe expansion of narrative detail you can imagine yourself in an oldcouncil ring with an elder speaking slowly, and dozens of childrenlistening in amazement.

The stories are quite short, quick to read, andvery entertaining. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
Wisdomkeepers takes you on an extraordinary spiritual journey into the lives, minds, and natural-world philosophy of Native American spiritual elders. The elders tell who they are, how they live, and what they believe. Magnificent portraits complement the soaring text. Among those profiled are Buffalo Jim, Seminole who describes the Seminole story of creation as if the Everglades were Eden, talks of his people's individual passage into the after life, and reveals that every field of wild plants is, to him, a medicine garden. You'll also meet "Uncle" Frank Davis (Fancy Warrior), a Pawnee Elder who describes the "path to understanding" as a trail filled with scraps of paper, each one a piece of a puzzle. Also profiled is Mathew King, a Lakota who warns of punishments or those who would destroy the Earth Mother. Readers share the innermost thoughts and feelings, dreams and visions, laughter, healing remedies, and prophecies of the Wisdomkeepers, whose humanity shines through every page. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A MUST READ!
If you are interested in Native American history and culture, this book (like all of Arden's books) is a great place to provide insight.Wisdom is the key point in this work as well as his others.A fantastic piece and one that will grab your heart, mind, and soul.

Wisdomkeepers is a must read!!!!!!!!!!!
I have had the pleasure of knowing both Harvey Arden and Steve Wall for many years now. Their books have touched the heart of many people around the world. This book is one of their best ever! The photos and stories/histories of the Wisdomkeepers within awaken your senses in a profound way. Journey with these two former National Geographic icons and learn with them, through them, and find what you've been looking for - an understanding of what it is to be human, through the journey of these amazing purveyors of hope, wisdom and truth.

Wisdom
She:Kon (Sago)(Hello) To all who read this and hope you are all well. I personally know some of the Wisdom Keepers, Elders whose words are in this book and know them to be of good mind and person. I am Mohawk and Odawa and I come from upstate New York near some of the Reservations and I fully recommend this book for any person who needs to come back to the reality of the living world around them and bring them back to the basic relation between humankind and all the life that is on this earth and surrounds us in the cosmos.

Great Teachings........
Very informative, Well done and a listening pleasure...Something you can listen to over again and pickup something new each time....

Into the world that so few get to experience.
The book is so well done, but the talking book is far better. You enter the jounery with them. You hear the wisdom of the spirtiually elders and long with the creaking of the doors and beatiful pow-wow/drumming in the background. You get a great opportunity to hear the calling of the eagle out of the sky at wounded knee that was prayered out of the sky by Frank Fools Crow. The best part that makes me laugh is when Steve Wall and Harvey Arden go and see one of the elders. Steve doesn't have a chance to go into his spell when the elder tells them I know why you are here you lost your orginial instructations. Also when they go and see charlie Knight and he asks them each time when Ya Leavein. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Whispers of the past
Great retelling of old myths and legends. An essential read for those who enjoy western America ideas and life styles. ... Read more

Book Description
This remarkable book, the first major new collection of Cherokee stories published in nearly a hundred years, presents seventy-two traditional and contemporary tales from the Eastern Band ofCherokee Indians in North Carolina. It features stories told by Davey Arch, Robert Bushyhead, Edna Chekelelee, Marie Junaluska, Kathi Smith Littlejohn, and Freeman Owle—six Cherokee storytellers who learned their art and their stories from family and community.

The tales gathered here include animal stories, creation myths, legends, and ghost stories as well as family tales and stories about such events in Cherokee history as the Trail of Tears. Taken together, they demonstrate that storytelling is a living, vital tradition. As new stories are added and old stories are changed or forgotten, Cherokee storytelling grows and evolves.

In an introductory essay, Barbara Duncan writes about the Cherokee storytelling tradition and explains the "oral poetics" style in which the stories are presented. This format effectively conveys the rhythmic, oral quality of the living storytelling tradition, allowing the reader to "hear" the voice of the storyteller. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful Stories true to the Story Tellers own Words
This is a book full of wonderful stories.It has many stories already familiar to those that read Cherokee tales as well as many new stories that I have never seen writen down before.The editor tries to stay as true tothe story teller's own words as possible and manges to even keep the storytellers' rhythms.There are short introductions on each story teller andeven the same story told by several different story tellers to compare thestyles of each.This marvelous book is equally enjoyable for thoseinterested in a good story and those interested in the Cherokee culture.

Educational and spellbounding!
This book is full of wonderful stories told by various Cherokees. It teaches why these stories are important and why they are passed down from generation to generation. Anyone can gain knowledge about Cherokee culturefrom this stories. There are myths and legends from long ago and there arestories that are from personal experiences. The story tellers tell how theylearned each legend and in some cases why the story reflects life today.

Interesting and educational at the same time!
The first 27 pages of this book are dedicated to making the reader understand the storytellers and their purpose.The reader will gain knowledge in varied areas by having different storytellers tell the samestories in their unique ways following the introduction.This book is wellresearched and seemingly comes alive as you read the verses on its pages. There are so many lessons to be learned in life and the Cherokee have agift when it comes to bringing those lessons to their young ones.We, as apublic in general, stand to gain a wealth of knowledge by reading thestories held within the binding of this book.So, take off your shoes, geta cup of French Vanilla, curl up in your most comfortable chair...andescape.Let the lessons of life be branded on your heart as you read! ... Read more

Book Description
In this 4-in-1 omnibus edition, explore four Native American cultures, examining their lives, lore, and legends. Learn how they worshiped, lived in harmony with nature, and constructed unique social orders. Before Europeans invaded their homeland, these richly varied cultures thrived with a level of harmony with the land and dignity of spirit unmatched by modern Western civilization. Contained herein are The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees; Blackfoot Lodge Tales; Truth of a Hopi; and Navaho Myths, Prayers, and Songs. Now you can explore these four cultures and their mystic traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Insight into Lakota Mystery
I read this book as part of a Lakota Culture class. The Professor is a Lakota and be had a lot of faith in this book along with American Urphilosophe. I also reccomend this book to get further insight into Lakota Culture. It was an easy book to read, it took me approximately 5 hours and was not very wordy. I am studying Lakota Culture as part of my Anthropology degree at MSU in Mankato, MN. Whether you are an Anthropologist or are just interested in knowing more about another culture, buy this book an you will have a greater knowledge of a misunderstood group of natives.

A Rare Lakota Treasure
This classic book is the most detailed, clear, and reliable telling of the Lakota (Sioux) Creation Stories available anywhere that I have found, short of sitting at the knees of an Elder.An incredible and invaluable resourceas well as pure Sacred beauty, it truly helps to bring real understandingof the Sacred Beings and Grandfathers to all readers.Whether yourinterests are purely anthropological understanding (and yes, this willgreatly help you to better understand many other writings on the profoundand complex Lakota Spirituality) or you seek to further your own personalWalk along the Good Red Road, this book is a "must-read." Mitakuye Oyasin... We Are All Related. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Native American Mandalas
Very nice book. I could hardly wait to get started. I illustations are great. ... Read more

Book Description
Teaching Spirits offers a thematic approach to Native American religious traditions.Through years of living with and learning about Native traditions across the continent, Joseph Epes Brown learned firsthand of the great diversity of the North American Indian cultures.Yet within this great multiplicity, he also noticed certain common themes that resonate within many Native traditions.These themes include a shared sense of time as cyclical rather than linear, a belief that landscapes are inhabited by spirits, a rich oral tradition, visual arts that emphasize the process of creation, a reciprocal relationship with the natural world, and the rituals that tie these themes together.Brown illustrates each of these themes with in-depth explorations of specific native cultures including Lakota, Navajo, Apache, Koyukon, and Ojibwe. Brown was one of the first scholars to recognize that Native religions-rather than being relics of the past-are vital traditions that tribal members shape and adapt to meet both timeless and contemporary needs. Teaching Spirits reflects this view, using examples from the present as well as the past.For instance, when writing about Plains rituals, he describes not only building an impromptu sweat lodge in a Denver hotel room with Black Elk in the 1940s, but also the struggles of present-day Crow tribal members to balance Sun Dances and vision quests with nine-to-five jobs.In this groundbreaking work, Brown suggests that Native American traditions demonstrate how all components of a culture can be interconnected-how the presence of the sacred can permeate all lifeways to such a degree that what we call religion is integrated into all of life's activities.Throughout the book, Brown draws on his extensive personal experience with Black Elk, who came to symbolize for many the richness of the imperiled native cultures.This volume brings to life the themes that resonate at the heart of Native American religious traditions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An informative book
I found this book a fascinating, especially for a required college textbook.In his introductary chapter, he is redundant and tries to give the air the Native American religions are much more full of meaning than Western European religions. I was glad to see the rest of the book didn't make such ethnocentric and blanketed statements.

The rest of the book is a quick overview of Native American religion. It explains in a very easy manner about the way they live and the differences in their cultures, and provides various examples and humorous stories to demonstrate Brown's findings.

In closing, I think this book is a must have for any anthropologist. ... Read more