Han, People of the River: Han Hwech'in : An Ethnography and Ethnohistory
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
The upper Yukon River basin is one of the wildest, most beautiful, and coldest places on earth. The indigenous Han Indians, whose homeland straddles the U.S.-Canadian border, traveled this country as hunters and gatherers and found a way to survive in it that exemplifies their innovation and tenacity in the face of continuous change. As a result of the gold rush, the Han suddenly became homeless in their own homeland. This book tells the story of that displacement and of current efforts by the Han to reclaim their lands and restore a vibrant way of life.
In-depth profiles of Chief Isaac, Chief Charley, and others illustrate the critical importance of traditional leadership in stressful times. Mishler and Simeone draw from archival data, their own field observations, and their oral interviews with Elders that span three decades. They discuss the fur trade, missionization, and the gold rush, as well as an analysis of Han social structure, settlement patterns, religion, subsistence, and expressive culture.
A model of innovative ethnographic and ethnohistorical work, Han, People of the River makes an important contribution to anthropological and indigenous studies literature. As a vivid and deeply thoughtful depiction of the past, present, and future of the Han, it is meant everyone who cares about the history of Alaska and Canada and Native peoples.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
About the Author
CRAIG MISHLER arrived in Alaska in 1968 as a VISTA volunteer, and received his doctorate in anthropology and folklore from the University of Texas. His first book, The Crooked Stovepipe: Athapaskan Fiddling and Square Dancing in Northeast Alaska and Northwest Canada (University of Illinois Press) was published in 1993. Now retired from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, his is currently Affiliate Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Alaska, --Anchorage and heads a consulting firm, Vadzaih Unlimited.
WILLIAM E. SIMEONE has lived in Alaska for over thirty years. During that time he has been a VISTA volunteer, a paralegal, a laborer on the Trans-Alaska pipeline, and an anthropologist working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. In 1990, he received a Ph.D. in anthropology from McMaster University. He lives in Anchorage. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Han, People of the River: Han Hwech'in : An Ethnography and Ethnohistory,Craig Mishler,William E. Simeone,University of Alaska Press,1889963410,Canada - General,Folklore,Han Indians,History,History - General History,History: World,Reference,Social life and customs,Yukon Territory
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