The Makah

 
5/1/04 School Library Journal
These titles are attractively laid out with a mix of good-quality, color photographs featuring contemporary views of both groups of peoples and clear, well-designed maps. Both books offer information about the history, geography, and culture of each group. The Nelsons begin by describing the Makah's 1999 whale hunt, the first since 1913, and end by detailing their research and their contacts with the Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay, WA. Similarly, Williams briefly profiles a contemporary Inuit family with emphasis on their combination of traditional and modern life, describes their northern setting, and provides information about the political organization of the area. The author also describes her research, including her travel to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, and the names of the people she interviewed. While one waits for profiles of cultures written for this audience by members of the culture themselves, these two titles show that the critical dialogue of Native Americans, librarians, and publishers has nudged us beyond the turgid, stereotypical ahistorical works that were, for far too long, our only choices. The Web sites listed in both titles give students a chance to link to authoritative sites including some posted by the Makah and the Inuit themselves.