Tsawalk: A Nuu-chah-nulth Worldview - Softcover

Atleo, E. Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0774810858 ISBN 13: 9780774810852

Publisher: UBC Press, 2005

Synopsis

In Tsawalk, hereditary chief Umeek develops a theory of "Tsawalk," meaning "one," that views the nature of existence as an integrated and orderly whole, and thereby recognizes the intrinsic relationship between the physical and spiritual. Umeek demonstrates how Tsawalk provides a viable theoretical alternative that both complements and expands the view of reality presented by Western science. Tsawalk, he argues, allows both Western and indigenous views to be combined in order to advance our understanding of the universe. In addition, he shows how various fundamental aspects of Nuu-chah-nulth society are based upon Tsawalk, and what implications it has today for both Native and non-Native peoples.

About this title

Review:

It provides a holistic, spiritual perspective, in contrast to the objective, Cartesian perspective of western science. Atleo argues, successfully I believe, that this spiritual view of nature is in many ways superior to the western disenchantment of the world. This book is one that will be valuable for scholars of the Northwest Coast, traditional ecological knowledge, and indigenous intellectuals. As well, it will probably fine a popular audience among those interested in First Nations, environmentalism, and, of course, New Age philosophy. Author: Michael Harkin, University of Wyoming Source: Journal of Anthropological Research, Spring 2005

Tsawalk: A Nuu-chah-nulth Worldview is simultaneously at the cutting edge of social philosophy and steeped in mythic reality. Through a translation of Nuu-chah-nulth origin stories, Atleo elucidates the ontological perspective of these people from the West Coast of Canada. He successfully demonstrates the linkages that the core belief of Tsawalk, everything is one, has with quantum physics, weather patterns, and postmodern theory, among other things. This holistic concept is the lynch pin (and namesake) of the book, incorporating Euro-American ideas and methods into Nuu-chah-nulth ontology. Although the majority of the book is dedicated to the retelling of ancient myths and their analysis, Atleo is explicitly trying to instigate a new research pattern based on a realization of Tsawalk in the academy.

Tsawalk is an archetype of cutting edge social research – it is biographical, focuses on ontology, is culturally relative, and deconstructionist. Brining Atleo’s particular perspective into this milieu provides a fascinating encounter. In the specific context of politics in colonial states, and the mushrooming of interest in indigenous politics, Tsawalk provides a means of opening a new dialogue between colonizers and the colonized.

Author: Andreas Krebs Source: IN-SPIRE

From the Author:

E. Richard Atleo, whose Nuu-chah-nulth name is Umeek, is a hereditary chief. He served as co-chair of the internationally recognized Scientific Panel for Sustainable Forest Practices in Clayoquot Sound and teaches in the First Nations Studies Department at Malaspina University College.

About this edition

• Publisher: UBC Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0774810858
• ISBN 13: 9780774810852
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 168