Native North American Foods and Recipes. (Native Nations of North America). Kathryn Smithyman & Bobbie Kalman. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2006. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $9.86 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB). ISBN 0-7787-0475-0 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0383-5 (RLB). Subject Headings: Indian cookery-North America-Juvenile literature. Indians of North America-Food-Juvenile literature. Grades 4-6 / Ages 9-11. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **½ /4
	Native North American Wisdom and Gifts. (Native Nations of North America). Niki Walker & Bobbie Kalman. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2006. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $9.86 (pbk.), $20.76 (RLB). ISBN 0-7787-0476-9 (pbk.), ISBN 0-7787-0384-3 (RLB). Subject Headings: Indian philosophy-North America-Juvenile literature. Indians of North America-Social life and customs-Juvenile literature. Grades 4-6 / Ages 9-11. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **½ /4

excerpt:

Although explorers, traders, and colonists learned a great deal from Native people about survival, they did not always appreciate Native people or their arts, values, beliefs and traditions. Many Europeans had prejudiced ideas about Native North Americans. They believed that Native people were not as smart or as civilized as Europeans. They also believed that Native people were less important than Europeans because, unlike Europeans, Native people were not Christians. (From Native North American Wisdom and Gifts.)

Children in Grades 5 and 6 often study the early history of North America. They can use these two books to understand the workings of and rationale for the daily life and culture of Native people before European encroachment changed their way of living. The books acknowledge the logic of the Native way of life within their environment and point out that European explorers and settlers would have perished without the assistance and instruction of the Native people. To some extent, the books allude to the racial and social prejudice inflicted on the Native people, but neither book honestly discusses the devastating results of their unjust treatment.

     The information is organized in Crabtree's recognizable format. Each book is 32 pages long and has a Table of Contents recording the names of each self-explained two-page chapter. A glossary of terms and an index appear on the last page of the book. Illustrations with useful captions draw the reader's eye on each page, and the pages are bordered with drawings related to the chapter topic. Frames and background colours and images enhance the appearance of the text.

     The content of these books is not specific to one region or group. A useful map in Native North American Foods and Recipes shows the territory of the ten nations of aboriginal peoples who lived throughout North America. Each group had unique customs based on its situations and beliefs, but, since survival was based on what they could draw from the land and water, there are some commonalities.

     Native North American Foods and Recipes outlines how people obtained different kinds of food - fish, meat, fowl, grains and fruits, and points out that family groups or tribes, by working together, were more successful. Larger gatherings also created a social milieu from which grew different customs. The climate and resources dictated how food was prepared and stored. The chapter entitled "Food and celebrations" points out that the modern North American holiday of Thanksgiving comes from a harvest ritual celebration of the Wampanoag people who hosted the first Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621.

     This book includes some recipes that children of the target age group can easily make.

     It is in addressing the modern situation of Native people where these books are weak. The truth is far more complex than is presented:

Today, native people have lifestyles that are similar to the lifestyles of other American and Canadians. Some are successful farmers and ranchers. Others are doctors, police officers, or hold other jobs. They buy most, or all of their food in grocery stores. At the same time, many native people continue to practice the traditions, languages, and ceremonies of their nations. The people of most nations hold the same annual celebrations that their people have always held. Traditional foods are part of these celebrations.

     
While it is true that many Native people are accomplished, a book discussing a specific topic should present the whole picture, unhappy as it may be. The reserve system and systemic discrimination relegated Native people in general to poverty and the welfare system. The changes in lifestyle forced by reserve settlement created social issues that people struggle with today. Health issues are a huge concern. Native people were hunter-gatherers just over a century ago, eating fresh foods. Their diet became one that poor people can only afford, a diet which includes many processed foods and which contributes to the high rates obesity and diabetes that plague Native communities. These problems, among others, result in Native people having a shorter life expectancy than non-Natives.

     In Native North American Wisdom and Gifts, Native nations are credited with having a positive attitude towards conserving nature as opposed to the European notion of using resources in whatever way is expedient and profitable, no matter the consequences. Native attitudes toward problem-solving, toward healing, toward women, etc. are now considered to be superior to those imposed by the European conquerors. Colonists learned how to survive harsh winters from Native groups who taught them about the best foods to eat, clothing to wear and ways of keeping warm. Colonists also adopted many sports invented by different Native nations, including lacrosse and hockey.

     But mentioning that Native wisdom was not "appreciated" enough is hardly an adequate explanation for the misery that was inflicted on an entire race. Many native traditions were banned, and extreme punitive measures were taken against those who tried to practice them, especially in the United States. The residential school system punished children who spoke their languages, and, as a result, many languages were virtually extinguished. Because children were separated from their families in residential schools, their identification with their culture was lost. In recent years, efforts have been made to regain and teach young children to speak these lost languages and practice their traditions.

     A book that claims to offer a survey of a topic should offer complete information and proper explanations. It would make all children more understanding of the situation of others.

Recommended with reservations.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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