Social Science Indigenous Studies
Iskwewak Kah' Ki Yan Ni Nahkomakanak
Neith Indian Princesses Nor Easy Squaws
- Publisher
- Canadian Scholars' Press Inc.
- Initial publish date
- May 1995
- Category
- Indigenous Studies, Native American, Native American Studies
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9780889612099
- Publish Date
- May 1995
- List Price
- $29.95
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Where to buy it
Out of print
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Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 16
- Grade: 11
Description
In an impressive and powerful first book, Janice Acoose deconstructs stereotypical images of Indigenous women in popular literature. Exposing "literature" as an institution of a Euro-Canadian nation shaped by white, Christian patriarchy, Acoose calls attention to its projections of Indigenous women as Indian princesses, easy squaws, suffering helpless victims and tawny temptresses.
With clarity and depth, Acoose traces the bars of literature imprisoning Indigenous women in images born of racism and sexism. From Margaret Laurence to William Patrick Kinsella, she interrogates the words that hurt, challenging liberalism, upending complacency and leaving the prison doors gaping. Iskwewak: Neither Indian Princesses nor Easy Squaws is a strong addition to literary and cultural criticism and an important resource for teachers and students alike.
About the author
Janice Acoose is of Métis/Saulteaux inheritance from the Sakimay-Saulteaux First Nations and the Marvil Métis community in Saskatchewan. She is the author of Iskwewak Kah’ Ki Yaw Ni Wahkomakanak: Neither Indian Princesses Nor Easy Squaws (Women’s Press, 1995). In addition to her work as a scriptwriter and co-producer for Katip Ayim Media Productions and CBC Radio, she has published articles on Maria Campbell, Indian residential schools, and contemporary First Nations women’s issues. Her articles have appeared in Looking at the Words of Our People: First Nations Analysis of Literature (ed. Jeannette Armstrong, Theytus, 1993), Gatherings (1994), and Residential Schools: The Stolen Years (ed. Linda Jaine, Extension Division Press, 1993). Currently, she is an associate professor of English at Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, and a doctoral candidate in English at the University of Saskatchewan.
Editorial Reviews
"In analyzing the stereotypes of Indigenous women embedded in Canadian literature, mapping out the resistance led by Maria Campbell, and exploring the writings of new Indigenous writers, Acoose offers a powerful antidote to the influence of negative literary images in shaping public policy. Her book deserves a place on the 'must read' list of both literary readers and policy writers."— “Donna Greschner, Chief Commissioner, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
Librarian Reviews
Iskwewak: Kah’ Ki Yaw Ni Wahkomakanak / Neither Indian Princesses Nor Easy Squaws
This scholarly book examines the stereotypes and misrepresentations of Aboriginal women in Canadian literature. These images are often unrealistic and promote racism and prejudice. Acoose outlines the dangers that exist when non-Aboriginal writers write about Aboriginal characters. She exposes the works of literature that treat Aboriginal women in a derogatory way and the effect it may have on the reader. She offers a powerful antidote to the influence of negative literary images in shaping collective thought.Acoose is an Associate Professor with the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College.
Caution: Some of the personal accounts are sexually violent.
Source: The Association of Book Publishers of BC. Canadian Aboriginal Books for Schools. 2008-2009.
