In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Reviewed by:
  • Haida Gwaii: Human History and Environment from the Time of Loon to the Time of the Iron People
  • Deborah McGregor (bio)
Daryl W. Fedje and Rolf W. Mathewes, editors. Haida Gwaii: Human History and Environment from the Time of Loon to the Time of the Iron People. UBC Press 2005. xxii, 426. $39.85

This book offers a promising look at the convergence of Indigenous knowledge and Western science. Contributors explore the validity of Aboriginal oral history and its correlations with paleoenvironmental history and archaeology. Insights are provided into how Western science can support oral history. Such a complementary approach can assist in establishing Aboriginal title claims by providing scientific evidence to support Aboriginal claims of long-standing use and occupancy.

Also explored is another often contested area between Aboriginal people and scientists: how and when Aboriginal people originally came to be in their territories. More specifically, this book is devoted to examining the paleoenvironmental, traditional, and archaeological records to describe human and natural history in Haida Gwaii. Rather than simply providing a description of Haida knowledge on the history of their ancestors and territories, this book attempts a ‘reconciliation’ of perspectives. In reflecting these goals, the editors include forewords from two distinct world views. One is by Guujawaaw, president of the Haida, and provides commentary on the validity of oral history in explaining the creation and transformation of Haida Gwaii. The second foreword is by Knut Faldmark, a prominent archaeologist who conducted field work in Haida Gwaii for many years. [End Page 214]

This book is presented as a collaboration between Western scientists and Haida knowledge holders. Unfortunately, with the notable exception of chapter 13 by Tina Christianson and Jim Stafford, most chapters are weak at elaborating on how the work conducted involved the Haida. This oversight will affect future researchers interested in collaborative work with the Haida people who otherwise could have gained significant insights from this book on appropriate research process.

The text is divided into four parts: Paleoenviromental History (with six chapters), Traditional Histories (with two chapters), Archaeological Histories (eight chapters), and a Conclusion. The initial promise of convergence and reconciliation between the two world views falls short, as the only chapter that integrates all three disciplines is chapter 7: ‘Tllsda Xaaydas K’aaygang.nga: Long, Long Ago Haida Ancient Stories’ by Kii7iljuus (Barbara J. Wilson) and Heather Harris. This chapter delivers on the promise by offering examples of stories from the Haida oral tradition that support Western scientific assertions. The authors state that, despite the fantastic nature of the stories as they appear to Western eyes, there are compelling correlations ‘between oral histories and the geological and archaeological evidence.’ A prime example given is that of a ‘rapid rise of sea level that occurred at the end of the Pleistocene,’ which is described as a flood in many stories from around Haida Gwaii.

The authors warn us that understanding knowledge in another tradition is not without its challenges. There are difficulties in translating from one viewpoint to another. For example, in Haida world view, everything in the world is alive and has spirit, and communication and interaction is possible between people and other beings. Haida oral history reflects this world view; scientists trained in the Western tradition may find themselves confronted with entirely new concepts.

Also noteworthy is the point made in chapters 7 and 8 regarding the rigour involved in learning oral history. Only the brightest of children underwent training to learn the history and only those properly trained are permitted to retell it.

Despite the evidence provided in certain chapters of this book regarding mounting evidence of a convergence between Haida oral histories and Western scientific findings, some tensions between these two forms of knowing remain. A key example involves the issue of Haida origins. According to the Haida, they come from Sgaana Kidiids, or sea monsters, and have been on Haida Gwaii since time began. Paleoenviromental and archeological data described in the text, however, suggest variations of a ‘coastal migration theory.’

While I still found this book weighted heavily towards Western scientific viewpoints, at least in volume of discussion, it nonetheless provides some compelling arguments for the...

pdf

Share