Restoring Relations Through Stories

In commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, this week’s review examines Indigenous films and storytelling, exploring kinship ties between the Navajo (Diné) and Dene.

Posted on November 18, 2024 in Reviews of the Month

Restoring Relations Through Stories: From Dinétah to Denendeh

Watchman, Renae. Arizona, 2024
248p bibl index, 9780816550357 $100.00, 9780816550340 $35.00, 9780816550364

This important work has enough material for three books. Watchman (McMaster Univ., Canada) has mixed Cherokee and Navajo (Diné) ancestry and her kinship ties become part of the story. She does not detach herself from the narrative but exists as a constant presence. Her initial focus is on the stories associated with the Navajo sacred mountain in New Mexico, Tsé Bit’a’í (known in English as Shiprock Peak). Her guiding principle for understanding Indigenous stories is their restorative power for Indigenous culture. The second focus is on is two Navajo films, Sydney Freeland’s Drunktown’s Finest and Larry Blackhorse Lowe’s 5th World. A final and less integral chapter explores a third subject: storytelling among the Dene of northern Canada. The Dene, like the Navajo, speak an Athapascan language, and Watchman wishes to encourage intercultural relations. The book provokes thought in the best way—by exploring Indigenous knowledge. Watchman is uncompromising in using Indigenous vocabulary; a glossary would have been helpful. The book is illustrated with helpful maps and photos. The annotations are full and substantive, and the bibliography is lengthy. Watchman has made a major contribution to American studies, Indigenous studies, and folklore studies.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals.
Reviewer: B. Almon, emeritus, University of Alberta
Interdisciplinary Subjects: Canadian Studies, Native American Studies
Subject: Humanities – Language & Literature – English & American
Choice Issue: Oct 2024

Restoring Relations Through Stories

In commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, this week’s review examines Indigenous films and storytelling, exploring kinship ties between the Navajo (Diné) and Dene.