Social Science Indigenous Studies
Napi
The Trickster
- Publisher
- Heritage House Publishing
- Initial publish date
- Apr 2018
- Category
- Indigenous Studies, Folklore & Mythology, Cultural
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781772032178
- Publish Date
- Apr 2018
- List Price
- $19.95
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Description
An enthralling collection of traditional Blackfoot stories revealing the frailty of mankind and the enduring power of narrative.
Napi, the Old Man of the Blackfoot Nation, appears prominently in mythology, sometimes as a quasi-Creator, sometimes a fool, and sometimes a brutal murderer. Although Napi is given credit for creating many of the objects and creatures on Earth, and indeed the Earth itself, the Blackfoot do not consider him to be god-like. Napi stories tell of this mythical figure creating the world and everything in it, but getting into trouble when he starts tinkering with his own creation. Perhaps for this reason, anthropologists have labelled him a trickster/creator.
For thousands of years, people have gathered around the campfire and listened to stories of how Napi blundered and schemed his way through Blackfoot country. They laugh at how Napi was outwitted by a lame fox, how he tried to fly with the geese only to look down when he was told not to and fell to the earth. He makes a perfect subject for telling, listening, and enjoying—and for teaching.
Reproduced by permission of Blackfoot Elders, these stories offer complex insight into an ancient and still-thriving culture through the figure of a flawed yet powerful creature—a mirror of humankind itself.
About the authors
Hugh Dempsey is an author, historian, and researcher. He is the former associate director of the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, and is currently its chief curator emeritus. He is also the editor of the quarterly Alberta History. Dempsey was made an honorary chief of the Kainai Blackfoot in 1967 and in 1975 was invested as a member of the Order of Canada. He is the author of more than twenty books, including The Great Blackfoot Treaties, Maskepetoon, Firewater, and Crowfoot.
Alyssa Koski is an illustrator, animator and entrepreneur. She graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design (now Alberta University of the Arts) with a major in Character Design. Alyssa specializes in whimsical and narrative-based illustration, following the themes of adventure, magic and belief in the impossible. She mostly works on children’s books, graphic novels and short film 2D animation. She is also the curator of her grandma’s traditional Blackfoot dress collection, which she showcases in museums, pop-up exhibits and fashion shows. She has a mixed heritage of Blackfoot and European ancestry and is a member of the Kainai Nation. She lives in her hometown of Okotoks with her family and many dogs.
Editorial Reviews
By gathering together a sizeable collection of stories passed down through oral tradition, Dempsey and Koski offer insight into a venerable and still-thriving culture, as well as a piece of history to be kept and passed on to younger generations for years to come.
Vue Weekly
Other titles by
The Great Blackfoot Treaties
The Amazing Death of Calf Shirt and Other Blackfoot Stories
Three Hundred Years of Blackfoot History
Maskepetoon
Leader, Warrior, Peacemaker
Heaven is Near the Rocky Mountains
Firewater
The Impact of the Whiskey Trade on the Blackfoot Nation
The Golden Age of the Canadian Cowboy
An Illustrated History
Red Crow
Warrior Chief
Crowfoot
Chief of the Blackfeet
Charcoal's World
The True Story of a Canadian Indian's Last Stand
