Rasmuson Library presents a book discussion of
Our Whole Gwich'in Way of Life Has Changed / Gwich'in K'yuu Gwiidandài' Tthak Ejuk Gòonlih: Stories from the People of the Land with authors Sharon Snowhsoe and Leslie McCartney.
Our Whole Gwich'in Way of Life Has Changed / Gwich'in K'yuu Gwiidandài' Tthak Ejuk Gòonlih is an invaluable compilation of historical and cultural information based on a project originally conceived by the Gwich'in Social and Cultural Institute to document the biographies of the oldest Gwich'in Elders in the Gwich'in Settlement Region. Through their own stories, twenty-three Gwich'in Elders from the Northwest Territories communities of Fort McPherson, Tsiigehtshik, Inuvik, and Aklavik share their joy of living and travelling on the land. Their distinctive voices speak to their values, world views, and knowledge, while McCartney assists by providing context and background on the lives of the narrators and their communities. Scholars, students, and all those interested in Canadian/Northern history, anthropology, Indigenous Studies, oral history, or cultural geography will benefit from this critical resource.
Elders Who Contributed Their Stories: Antoine (Tony) Andre, Caroline Andre, Hyacinthe Andre, Annie Benoit, Pierre Benoit, Sarah Bonnetplume, Marka Bullock, Lydia Alexie Elias, Mary Martha Firth, Sarah Ann Gardlund, Elizabeth Greenland, Violet Therese Jerome, Peter Kay Sr., Mary Rose Kendi, Ruby Anne McLeod, Catherine Martha Mitchell, Eunice Mitchell, Joan Ross Nazon, Annie Moses Norbert, Alfred Semple, Sarah Simon, Ellen Catherine Vittrekwa, Jim Julius Vittrekwa.
Leslie McCartney is a cultural Anthropologist specializing in oral history. She is an Associate Professor and the Curator of Oral History at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Sharon Snowshoe is the Director of the Department of Culture and Heritage with the Gwich'in Tribal Council. The Gwich’in Tribal Council is an Indigenous land claim organization responsible for protecting and advancing the interests of the Gwich’in peoples of the Gwich’in Settlement Region in the Northwest Territories and Yukon, Canada.
