Most Popular Books by Rodney Frey

Anthropologist Rodney Frey culminates a decade of work with the Schitsu’umsh (the Coeur d’Alene Indians of Idaho) in this portrait of the unique bonds between a people and the landscape of their traditional homeland. The result of an intensive collaboration between investigator and Native people, the book includes many traditional stories that invite the reader’s participation in the world of the Schitsu’umsh. The Schitsu’umsh landscape of lake and mountains is described with a richness that emphasizes its essential material and spiritual qualities. The historical trauma of the Schitsu’umsh, stemming from their nineteenth-century contacts with Euro-American culture, is given dramatic weight. Nonetheless, examples of adaptation and continuity in traditional cultural expression, rather than destruction and discontinuity, are the most conspicuous features of this vivid ethnographic portrait. Drawing on pivotal oral traditions, Frey mirrors the Schitsu’umsh world view in his organization and presentation of ethnographic material. He uses first-person accounts by his Native consultants to convey crucial cultural perspectives and practices. Because of its unusual methodology, Landscape Traveled by Coyote and Crane is likely to become a model for future work with Native American peoples, within the Plateau region and beyond.

In our global community, it is critical that we appreciate how our humanity, throughout time in its cultural diversity, has defined its relationship with the world. This pragmatic workbook provides an accessible methodology, "Eye Juggling," for interpreting the values of others as well as one''s own values that have rendered the world meaningful. In doing so, the reader is given an opportunity to explore, discover, and interpret for him or herself, and become an "authority" on the values revealed. Contents:Eye Juggler: An Introduction; Song: A Methodology; Symbols; Values; Interviewing; Interpreting; Stories: The Texts; The Dream Animal; Feathers; The Tower; Soul Food; A Plant; A Flower; The Lesson; The Quest; Three Hots and a Cot; The Give-Away; Choice: An Epilogue; The Great Paradox; The Culture of Consumption; The Mobius Strip; Discussion Questions and Exercises; Appendix: Release Form; Bibliography.

Intertwining his own as well as stories from interviews, oral histories, and elders, seasoned anthropologist/ethnographer Rodney Frey offers personal and professional insights into the power and value of storytelling. A model for engaging with indigenous peoples, his work addresses permissions and cultural property rights, tribal review, "giving back," and more.

Anchored in the oral traditions of Native Peoples, Frey--professor emeritus and hospital lay chaplain--intertwines the stories of elders and his own to offer personal and professional insights into the power and value of storytelling. His experiences present a model for ethical and collaborative engagement with Indigenous communities that "gives back." This expanded edition keeps everything from the award-winning original title, and in the context of a university''s General Education curriculum and service as a lay chaplain, shares new insights for engaging our fellow humanity.

The author''s discussion of Crow tribal history and his vivid descriptions of current reservation life show how the Apsaalooke are adapting to a changing world. By examining pivotal social and religious institutions, including the clan-uncle and clan-aunt relationships, the acquisition and use of medicine, and the Sun Dance, the author show how reciprocity and interdependence weave together Apsaalooke society and help individuals determine their place in clan, society, and cosmos.