By Canoe & Moccasin: Some Native Place Names of the Great Lakes by Basil H. Johnston

Basil H. Johnston is an Ojibway member of Cape Croker Indian Reserve in Ontario, Canada.

I borrowed this 1986 book from my local library and I am surprised to find that it appears to be in pristine condition. It is such an interesting book. Through a number of stories about the Manitou Nanabush, we learn the history of many names for locations near the Great Lakes.

Chicago - from Zhigaug - meaning either 'place of the skunk' or 'the wild leek'

Winnipeg - from Weenipeegosheeng - meaning the murky watered lake

Manitoba - meaning the abode of the manitou between two lakes

I have previously review 'The Manitous: The Spiritual World of the Ojibway'

For a list of books by Mr. Johnston visit the Native American Authors Project

McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario has an interesting article in their Historical Perspectives on Canadian Publishing

If you are interested in purchasing one of Basil Johnston's book, visit the 'Whetung Ojibwa Crafts and Art Gallery'. After browsing Mr. Johnston's works, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link to the main gallery page. Well worth browsing the other featured artists.

I am currently reading 'Uncle Dave', which is a story of Basil's Uncle Dave who was born with Down's Syndrome. In this book he has compared the way his uncle was treated with how the white population treated the Indians. I have only read the first two chapters, though they have left me wanting to read more. I hope to have it finished by next Friday.