Book Review: Storytelling at its best

Reviewed by Shirley Honyust/ Yenatli:yo

Bear-Walker and other stories author Basil Johnston uses his talent for writing to provide a literal translation of these short Ojibway stories passed on to him, some of which are related to him by the now deceased Frank Shawbedees and others shared by Sam Ozawmik.

This author, having not received an extensive knowledge of Ojibway stories and literature myself, went online to do some research as what other literary academics had to say in favor (or not so much) about the book, Bear-Walker. This investigation revealed a smidgeon of the flavours that other adult readers acquired from reading the collection. Those others, unnamed, did not appear to be coming from the vantage point of telling these stories to others, or to passing them on to children and their insights were exactly that, sights from within their limited range of vision.

To truly receive the full value of these stories they must be passed on and it is only with the audience appreciation of the oral tradition of storytelling, can the reader come to appreciate what these legends have to offer. Stories were meant to be shared by telling, and although there is very likely some things that are lost in the translation (Ojibway to English); the essence of those losses can only be regained by retelling of these stories to a new audience.

Each story has a purpose for being told, answering one or more of the “whys” that children proffer so abundantly, and this is clearly delineated in each passage. Those stories involving people killing animals and animals killing each other are told in such a way that each reflects not only on the reason for the kill, but also reveals promises not kept. There is an agreement, or a social contract, that has been broken. In the animal kingdom there are lessons to be learned and retribution must be paid; everything has a cost applied to it.

Knowledge seeking, teachings, dreams, visions, prophesies and values are the dynamics that weave these stories together, along with the intertwining of relationships between and among humans and animals.

Bear-Walker and other stories by Basil H. Johnston ISBN# 0-88854-415-4.  Johnston is also a past recipient of the Debwewin Citation for excellence in Storytelling.