The First Nations of British Columbia, Third Edition
The First Nations of British Columbia, Third Edition
An Anthropological Overview
Since it was first published in 1998, The First Nations of British Columbia has been an essential introduction to the province’s first peoples. Written within an anthropological framework, it familiarizes readers with the history and cultures of First Nations in the province and provides a fundamental understanding of current affairs and concerns. This fully revised third edition includes:
- an all new introduction and conclusion
- updated information and references
- sidebars on topics of interest such as totem poles, sasquatch, and Chinook jargon
- discussions of enduring stereotypes and misperceptions of First Nations
- excerpts from important historical documents, including the Canadian government’s Apology for Residential Schools
Concise and accessibly written, this book is essential reading for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of First Nations in what is now British Columbia.
The First Nations of British Columbia is an indispensable resource for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of First Nations in this province.
While following in the footsteps of Wilson Duff’s seminal Indian History of British Columbia, Robert Muckle’s overview of BC’s First Nations from an anthropological perspective has won praise for being ‘unhindered by old-fashioned and insensitive anthropology.’ This updated version shines as a perfect example of the constructive work done by many authors over several decades to build a viable bridge of understanding with First Nations. It represents BC publishing at its essential best.
This book provides an interesting perspective on BC First Nations culture. It gives us a view into First Nations communities, past and present, and helps to dispel some of the myths that still exist. Having worked as a cultural tourism manager, I find it an appealing book that will encourage readers who are curious to learn more about First Nations culture in British Columbia.
Robert J. Muckle has been involved in numerous anthropological research projects, served as a consultant to several First Nations, and taught at postsecondary institutions throughout British Columbia. He currently teaches anthropology at Capilano University in North Vancouver.
Preface
Part 1: Introducing First Nations, Popular Perceptions, and the Anthropological Perspective
Popular Perceptions
Through the Lens of Anthropology
Overview of Chapters
Recommended Readings and Resources
Part 2: Defining and Situating First Nations Today
Understanding Labels: First Nations, Aboriginal, Indian, and More
Population, Reserves, Settlements, and Lands
Bands, Ethnic Groups, Tribal Councils, and Other Affiliations
Situating BC First Nations within Canada, in North America, and around the World
Recommended Readings and Resources
Part 3: Archaeology and First Nations
First Nations and Archaeological Perceptions of the Past
The Nature of Archaeological Research in British Columbia
Early Migrations through British Columbia
Here to Stay
Settling Down
Prominent Sites
Tracing Ancestry
Recommended Readings and Resources
Part 4: Languages, Population Estimates, and Traditional Lifeways
Traditional Culture Areas of British Columbia
Languages
Population
Settlement Patterns
Diet
Technology
Social Organization
Myths, Spirits, and Shamans
Health and Healing
Art
The Potlatch and Other Important Ceremonies
Trade, Slavery, and Warfare
Recommended Readings and Resources
Part 5: From the Late 1700s through the Twentieth Century
Population Loss
The Impact of the Fur Trade
The Impact of the Gold Rushes
The Impact of Non-Indigenous Settlement
Missionaries and Residential Schools
First Nations and Wage Labour
Government Relations with First Nations
Assertions of Aboriginal Rights
Negotiations in the Late 1900s
Anthropology in the Late 1900s
Recommended Readings and Resources
Part 6: First Nations and Anthropology in the Twenty-First Century
Living in the Twenty-First Century
Economic and Cultural Initiatives
Treaty Negotiations
Outstanding Issues
Asserting Rights and Identity
First Nations and Anthropology in the Twenty-First Century
First Nations Cultures Still Exist
Final Comments: Things to Remember
Recommended Readings and Resources
Appendices
1 The First Nations of British Columbia
2 Major Ethnic Groups
3 Excerpts from the British Columbia Heritage Conservation Act, 1996
4 Apology for Residential Schools
5 Excerpts from the Royal Proclamation, 1763
Glossary
Selected Bibliography
