On the Trail of Elder Brother: Glous'gap Stories of the Micmac Indians

by Michael B. Running Wolf, Patricia Clark Smith, Michael B. Runningwolf

Book Overview

Stories of Glous'gap, the embodiment of the Great Spirit, are told by the many Algonquin tribes of North America--from the Dakotas through New England, and south to Delaware. Among them is the Micmac of Maine, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces. Since the seventeenth century, anthropologists have listened to Micmac storytellers and recorded their tales. Finally, here is a book devoted entirely to Glous'gap's adventures, told to us firsthand in the...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892552484
• ISBN13: 9780892552481
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Persea Books
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

Absolutely loved this book

This book is definitely worth buying. The stories are easy to read and very entertaining. I can't wait to read them to my nephews. You don't have to have any background knowledge on the folklore because it starts with Glous'gap coming into the world and each story progresses towards his farwell. Its a great read for anyone interested in mi'kmaq folklore.

Great stories

This is an excellent source of atukwaqn, or stories, from and for the Mi'kmaq. Contrary to a previous review, which stated no sources are given, the introduction states that these were stories Michael B. Runningwolf learned as a child in Maine and New Brunswick. They are wonderful versions of the Mi'kmaw stories that include the Kluskap. My only bone of contention is that the authors did not use the standardized Francis-Smith orthography for the Mi'kmaw words, but any one who has a familiarity with Mi'kmawi'simk (the Mi'kmaw language) should still be able to understand the words.To the authors I say, "Wela'lioq," (Thank you).

A treasury of stories for young and old!

On The Trail Of Elder Brother presents a collection of 16 stories retold by two Micmac authors. This is a magical universe peopled with witches and magicians, man-eating moose, whales, birds and more. Every tale has moral and aesthetic purpose as well as prophetic or holy meanings. These tales will be enjoyed by children to whom they will always be new. They also remain a treasured resource to adults.

A "must" for students of Native American history & culture.

The authors are direct descendants of the Micmac Indian nation and have assembled sixteen oral history tales which reflect the Micmac heritage and belief systems. On the Trail of Elder Brother is a rare glimpse of Micmac tribal values and a recommended pick for any avid student of Native American history and culture.