Land of Nakoda (Western History Classics Series): The Land of the Assiniboine Indians

Land of Nakoda is a vivid account of the history, legends, customs, crafts, and ceremonies of the Assiniboine Indians of the northern plains. First published in 1942, it was written and illustrated by tribal members who interviewed the Old Ones, the tribal elders, in their native language. Many of the stories predate Lewis and Clark and were passed down through a dynamic oral tradition. In the new foreword to this edition, Fort Peck (Montana) Community College President James Shanley writes: "The Land of Nakoda is an important book -- a book that presents memories of a way of life that will not be experienced again in the foreseeable future. The descriptions of everyday life and the social structure that arises from that life are detailed and focused but at the same time hint at the subtlety of the spiritual essence and humbleness of man living in harmony with nature. It is the essence of Assiniboine culture that has been transmitted to modern times from the sons and daughters of the Land of Nakoda." Using clear and precise writing, Land of Nakoda accurately describes tribal legends, daily life, lodging, food, courtship and marriage, children's games, buffalo hunting, tools and weapons, religious ceremonies and secret societies, medicine men and spirits, and the coming of the white men. It features 84 original illustrations, a map of Assiniboine territory and a list of Assiniboine bands, and biographies of the author, the illustrator, and the Old Ones who told the stories.