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Social Science Indigenous Studies

Ojibway Heritage

by (author) Basil Johnston

Publisher
McClelland & Stewart
Initial publish date
Nov 1987
Category
Indigenous Studies, Folklore & Mythology, Native American Studies
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780771044427
    Publish Date
    Nov 1987
    List Price
    $21.00

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Description

Rarely accessible beyond the limits of its people, Ojibway mythology is as rich in meaning and mystery, as broad, as deep, and as innately appealing as the mythologies of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and other civilizations. In Ojibway Heritage, Basil Johnston sets forth the broad spectrum of his people’s life, legends, and beliefs. Stories to be read, enjoyed, dwelt on, and freely interpreted, their authorship is perhaps most properly attributed to the tribal storytellers who have carried on the oral tradition which Basil Johnston records and preserves in this book.

About the author

Basil Johnston is cherished as an esteemed Anishinaabe writer, storyteller, language teacher and scholar. He was born in Wasauking First Nation in 1929, and was a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. Basil wrote fifteen books in English and five in Ojibway.
For his work, Johnston received numerous awards including the Order of Ontario and three honourary doctorates. Basil's accolades include the 2013 Ontario Arts Council Aboriginal Arts Award, the 2007 Anskohk Aboriginal Literary Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2004 Aboriginal Achievement Award for Heritage and Spirituality and the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal.
Basil Johnston was one of the foremost Anishinaabe writers and storytellers, and his comedic stories about life in residential school, Indian School Days, is a classic. Candies is another of his delightful humourous works. In Think Indian, Basil highlights the critical importance of preserving Indigenous language and culture. Basil passed away at Wiarton, Ontario in 2015 at the age of 86.

Basil Johnston's profile page

Editorial Reviews

“A colourful, beautiful book which teaches us about ourselves as much as about one of North America’s native peoples.”
Vancouver Sun

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