Publisher's Synopsis
"Sixwaso" is a collection of legends, historical narratives, and reminiscences of a Kwakwaka'wakw elder, Agnes Alfred, who died recently at the age of 102. The material was recorded by anthropologist Martine Reid and translated by Alfred's granddaughter, Daisy Sewid-Smith. The book is a response to Alfred's strong desire to pass on her knowledge.;During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Franz Boas conducted extensive research in the vicinity of Alert Bay. For years, his work on the Kwakwaka'wakw has been the primary lens (for many, the only lens) through which to view northwest coast native cultures. Today, with more native peoples trained in anthropology and linguistics, this trend is changing. Now, native peoples are in a position to tell their own stories, "Sixwaso" is a lyrical example of this approach.
