"The spiritual realm and the physical realm were often connected through the practice of medicine."
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Ways of Our Grandfathers by David D. Plain Trafford Publishing
book review by Michael Radon
Written as a complement to the author's other title The Plains of Aamjiwnaang, this title goes more into detail in regards to customs and cultural practices of the First Nation known more commonly as the Chippewa. Aspects of life among the Aamjiwnaang are separated and presented one at a time, from social gatherings and games to economic history and trading policies. Additional attention is given to the religious beliefs and traditions of the people, including death rituals and the respectful process of mourning a loved one. In-depth descriptions of how canoes, tepees, and wigwams go into great detail as to how things were prepared and for what purpose. At the end, readers are presented with a fascinating list of herbal medicines and treatments that were used by the Aamjiwnaang and for what purposes.
Read on its own, this book still provides a very interesting anthropologic examination of Aamjiwnaang culture and traditions. Paired with its complementary text, it tells a more complete story that gives further insight into the history of this storied First Nation and the reason behind the decisions and alliances it made during the expansion of Colonial America and beyond. There are a wealth of footnotes and citations for those looking for further readings, as well as multiple illustrations and appendices designed to help readers further comprehend the material. Combining the oral history of his people with his university background, the author provides a complete view of his predecessors and the ways of his people that is fascinating to any student or enthusiast of human history.