David Bouchard and Pam Aleekuk, paintings by Leonard Paul, music by Buffy Sainte-Marie,
Long Powwow Nights
Red Deer Press, 2009.

Rating: E*

Written in verse and presented in both Mi’kmaq and English, Long Powwow Nights speaks reverently from the heart of a daughter to her beloved mother as she reminisces about her mother’s prowess as a Powwow dancer and the lessons learned reinforcing the importance of cultural identity, ritual and tradition through the dance. Life lessons for First Nations youth are inspired along with lessons of understanding and acceptance for the non- native.

Breathtaking colour paintings of traditionally clothed dancers and dance scenes intensify the passion of the ritual and the Powwow experience. Readers are also inspired through included audio media by Buffy Sainte-Marie, along with English and Mi’kmaq readings by the authors.

This book is a wonderful tribute to the traditional culture of the Mi’kmaq Nation, as well as an enriching resource for non-natives, and a celebration of First Nations People.

Thematic Links: First Nations History and Culture - Mi’kmaq Nation; First Nations Arts - Visual and Musical; Famous Canadians - Buffy Sainte-Marie

Sharon Armstrong
Vol. 15, number 3
February 2010

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.