A Recognition of Being, 2nd Edition

By Kim Anderson

Book Overview

Over 15 years ago, Kim Anderson set out to explore how Indigenous womanhood had been constructed and reconstructed in Canada, weaving her own journey as a Cree/M?tis woman with the insights, knowledge, and stories of the forty Indigenous women she interviewed. The result was A Recognition of Being, a powerful work that identified both the painful legacy of colonialism and the vital potential of self-definition.In this second edition, Anderson revisits her groundbreaking text to include recent literature on Indigenous feminism and two-spirited theory and to document the efforts of Indigenous women to resist heteropatriarchy. Beginning with a look at the positions of women in traditional Indigenous societies and their status after colonization, this text shows how Indigenous women have since resisted imposed roles, reclaimed their traditions, and reconstructed a powerful Native womanhood.Featuring a new foreword by Maria Campbell and an updated closing dialogue with Bonita Lawrence, this revised edition will be a vital text for courses in women and gender studies and Indigenous studies as well as an important resource for anyone committed to the process of decolonization.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0889615799
• ISBN13: 9780889615793
• Release Date: April 2016
• Publisher: Women's Press (UK)
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Recognition of Being

The book made me think, and any book that can do that, is worth reading. It made me think of being a woman, of being a auntie and a grandmother and the responsibility that holds. It made me appreciate the hardships all Native people had to go through while in the residential schools, and how, in the name of a God and the attitude of assimilation, people were put into such abusive situations. And it made me appreciate the strength that Native women have to overcome such behaviour.I am not Native, yet I follow the spiritual concepts that were mentioned in the book and it was wonderful to read the history of these traditions and get a better understanding of the traditions.

Best Recovery Oriented Book I have ever read

I am not Native, this book is directed at the recovery of Native American Women, but I thought this book was incredible. I bought an extra copy to pass on. Kim you are awesome, Thank You (Meegwetch)

GENDER BALANCE

One of the more refreshing aspects of this unique look at women's historical roles in First Nations cultures is it's comprehensive and insightful understanding of the concept of gender balance. Kim Anderson has well illustrated the social structures which adequately served First Nations people across the Americas for centuries prior to European arrival. In addition, she examines the impact of colonialism, genocide and assimilation on that structure without ignoring or minimizing the undermining of women's roles which was crucial to the success of these policies. She finishes by portraying a hopeful and positive perspective which incorporates the lessons of history.