Native American Religion

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Bonvillain explains different Native conceptions of spiritual-life sources and surveys creation stories from around the country, with details on Navajo, Iroquois, and Zuni mythologies, as well as on trickster heroes such as the Blackfoot Old Man and the ubiquitous Coyote. She stresses the emphasis Indians put on the natural world and the Earth, and the annual renewing ceremonies that many tribes perform. One section discusses the importance of marking milestones in a person's life and the religious significance of them. "Health and Healing" reveals the holistic approach many Indians take toward illness and well-being, with examples from the Navajos, Apaches, and Inuits. The final chapter recounts three new religions that arose as a result of the interaction between Native religions and Christianity. Good-quality black-and-white photographs and reproductions appear throughout; there is also a full-color photo essay pertaining to the Ghost Dance religion. A solid addition.-Lisa Mitten, University of Pittsburgh, PA

Karen Hutt

The latest volume in the Indians of North America series explores the religious practices of several American Indian tribes before and after contact with non-Indians. Beginning with the commonalities of Native American religious beliefs and practices, Bonvillain looks at such topics as creation stories, birth and death rituals, and religion in healing practices. The last chapter traces the development of three postcontact religious movements that are still being practiced today: the Handsome Lake religion, the Ghost Dance religion, and the peyote religion. Numerous black-and-white photographs show religious leaders and ceremonies; color photos show garments associated with the Ghost Dance religion of the Plains Indians. A good introduction to a complex and often confusing subject. A bibliography and a glossary are appended.