Review by Choice Review
It is a common presumption that, in contrast to Western industrialized societies, traditional Native American groups revere their elders and assign them authority. McNally (religion, Carleton College) draws on two years of fieldwork among the Ojibwe in addition to archival sources to complicate this presumption. More than an ethnographic study, this work presents thoughtful philosophical reflections on the very idea of tradition as constructed and negotiated by groups and contextualizes this discussion in religious belief and life course issues. The author offers refreshing insights into the wisdom of elders as this Minnesota Native American group defines it and as others perceive it. McNally shows that wisdom is not naturally attributed to elders but maintained by what could be called reputation management on Native terms. This involves the negotiation of change and continuity, indigenous religion and Christianity, and tradition and history. The volume will assuredly give readers much to think about and appreciate. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic levels/libraries. S. J. Bronner Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg Campus
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
