Book

The Swampy Cree: a study in acculturation

Queen's Printer (13) • Published In 1967 • Pages: 75

By: Mason, Leonard.

Abstract
This document attempts to show the effect of acculturation upon a few institutions of the Cree where history has provided sufficient data with which to follow their story. In general, Cree acculturation has been characterized by an ebb and flow of white contacts, peaks of frenzied activity in the fur trade, and ecological limitation on attainment of new living standards in the twentieth century. Mission and government created some problems for the Cree in introduced innovations. The same agencies also became the primary basis of support for Cree Indians when the profitable fur trade declined. Although important areas of local culture were abandoned in the process, many traditional values remained viable, as manifested in religious belief, in the attitudes about community authority, and in an identification with the life of the land, i.e., animals, fish, and plants, which even in 1940 [during the author's fieldwork] , were utilized to a great extent for food and medicine as in the 'Golden Age' of their aboriginal ancestors (p. xi).
culture
Western Woods Cree
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
North America
Sub Region
Arctic and Subarctic
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 2006
Field Date
1938, 1940
Coverage Date
1611-1940
Coverage Place
Oxford House Band, Swampy Cree, Manitoba, Canada
Notes
by Leonard Mason
Cover title
Summary in French and English
Includes bibliographical references (p.71-75)
LCCN
67108723
LCSH
Cree Indians--Social life and customs/Acculturation