"From diversity comes strength and wisdom": this was the guiding principle for selecting the articles in this collection. Because there is no single voice, identity, history, or cultural experience that represents the women of the First Nations, a realistic picture will have many facets. Accordingly, the authors in Women of the First Nations include Native and non-Native scholars, feminists, and activists from across Canada.

Their work examines various aspects of Aboriginal women's lives from a variety of theoretical and personal perspectives. They discuss standard media representations, as well as historical and current realities. They bring new perspectives to discussions on Aboriginal art, literature, historical, and cultural contributions, and they offer diverse viewpoints on present economic, environmental, and political issues.

This collection counters the marginalization and silencing of First Nations women's voices and reflects the power, strength, and wisdom inherent in their lives.

Christine Miller taught Native American studies at California State University at Sacramento, University of California at Berkeley, and at the University of Lethbridge, where she held the rank of associate professor, retiring in 1992. She also spent time at the University of Leeds, England, as part of the Faculty Exchange Program and is a volunteer for various community agencies.

Christine Miller's profile page

Patricia Chuchryk is associate professor and chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge, where she specializes in Latin American and women's studies. She has also taught at Red Crow College on the Blood Indian Reserve.

Patricia Chuchryk's profile page