Ruth Holmes Whitehead Livres

In Stories from the Six Worlds, it is their stories, passed down by word of mouth, that best preserve and present Mi'kmaw culture. For in their tales, the People themselves speak about their world and give us glimpses of how their universe manifests, in all its fascinating otherness. Mi'kmaw stories have many levels: entertainment, instruction, warnings. They might subtly encode maps of the land's important resources, or of the wheeling skies at night. Telling stories, Elders wove humour and stark tragedy, terror and beauty, to teach their listeners how to survive. More importantly, they underlined, over and over again, how their listeners, as humans, must conduct themselves. Their tales resound with the universal themes included in any worldview--Order and Chaos, Courage and Fear, Change, Revenge and Mercy, Death, Rebirth, and Power--yet are powerfully rooted in Mi'kmaw tradition, Mi'kmaw land. Their voices still speak to us, down the centuries. Drawing on various sources, Ruth Holmes Whitehead retells the tales in a voice close to that of the original storytellers. This new edition includes an updated design and the original collection of twenty-nine stories. In Stories from the Six Worlds, Mi'kmaw legends are offered to all people whose search for meaning draws them again to the ancient cultures.

Focusing on the Great Influenza pandemic of the early twentieth century, this academic resource delves into the historical context while intertwining poignant human stories from Nova Scotia. It explores the impact of the three-year crisis on individuals and communities, providing a comprehensive understanding of both the scientific and personal experiences during this devastating period.

Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, the narrative explores the plight of enslaved Black individuals who sought freedom by fleeing to the British forces. The British government’s strategy aimed to undermine the American economy by enticing slaves to abandon their rebel masters. This historical account highlights the journeys of those who escaped to the British fleet and armies, revealing the complexities of loyalty, survival, and the quest for freedom during a tumultuous period in American history.

Focusing on the rich cultural heritage of the Mi'kmaq of Atlantic Canada, this book explores their history prior to European contact through art and photography. It highlights the complex lives of individuals within the community, showcasing their unique traditions and perspectives. The work serves as a visual narrative that celebrates the Mi'kmaq identity and contributions, offering insights into their enduring legacy and the significance of their ancestral images.

Ruth Holmes Whitehead is a renowned Mi'kmaq specialist and staff ethnologist and assistant curator in history at the Nova Scotia Museum in Halifax. Her publications include Six Micmac Stories, The Mi'kmaq, How Their Ancestors Lived Five Hundred Years Ago, Micmac Quillwork, and Elitekey.