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Memory, meaning, and imaginary time: the construction of knowledge in White and Chipewyan cultures

Ethnohistory38 (2) • Published In 1991 • Pages: 149-175

By: Sharp, Henry S..

Abstract
This is an account of the events surrounding a scuffle that broke out between a white teacher and Chipewyan Indian, 'Charley,' in a northern Saskatchewan town. The teacher was attempting to breakup a fight between Charley and another Indian. The Principal of the school had the teacher press charges and Charley was eventually prosecuted. Sharp sees the real conflict originating with the Principal, who was a tireless promoter of progress and personally could not abide Charley and his family, who kept a traditional way of life and resisted assimilation. Sharp examines how the testimony of the teacher was influenced by the overriding concerns of the Principal. The judge accepted the teacher's 'factual' rendition of the incident and ruled accordingly. There was no opportunity for Charley, who had no legal counsel, to give his own account of the incident, which was embedded in a larger dispute over fishing rights between the town's two main Indian families.
Subjects
Ethnic stratification
Brawls, riots, and banditry
Kin relationships
Property offenses
Trial procedure
culture
Chipewyans
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
North America
Sub Region
Arctic and Subarctic
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 1999
Field Date
1969-1970
Coverage Date
1969-1970
Coverage Place
Black Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Notes
Henry S. Sharp
Includes bibliographical references (p. 174-175)
LCCN
57043343
LCSH
Chipewyan Indians