Indigenous Communities in Canada: Cree Community is an elementary level information book from Beech Street Books about the past and present-day culture and history of the Cree who have five distinct languages: Western Plains Cree, Northern Woodland Cree, Central Swampy Cree, Moose Cree, and Eastern Cree. In the French language the Cree are called Kristeneaux; the Plains Cree call themselves Nehiyawak meaning the People, and the Moose Cree call themselves Eeyou. Influenced by the climate and land From Alberta to the James Bay region of Quebec in Northern Quebec, these Peoples created complex societies that depended on the animals of the regions. In historical times they participated in the fur trade. They maintained their cultural and spiritual traditions despite the impact of devastating European diseases and the loss of their traditional territories through the signing of treaties. The text uses colour images and simple content that introduces primary and junior level students to the family, cultural traditions, and daily life of these remarkable people. The book contains Colour Photographs, Black & White Photographs, Table of Contents, Glossary, For Further Information, Maps, Inquiry Questions, and Web Site references. Content consultant was Ronald Niezen, professor of anthropology at McGill University. Guided Reading Level: Q. Recommended.
