1. Objectifs

Intentions :
This book «provides a basic introduction to the Native peoples of North America, covering what are now the United States, northern Mexico, and Canada.» (quatrième de couverture) A section of this book discusses the Inuit of Quebec and their family organisation.

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
Données documentaires diverses

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

«This book addresses the history of research, the European invasion, and the impact of Europeans on Native societies. A final chapter introduces contemporary Native Americans, discussing issues that affect them, including religion, health, and politics.» (quatrième de couverture) Regarding the family organisation of the Inuit of Quebec, the «basic family unit was the nuclear family, although extended families were not uncommon. Lineages, clans, and moieties were not recognized. The kinship system was very similar to the one used by most Americans today, including parents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Adopted children, stepchildren, and stepparents were all called by the customary kinship terms, but with a suffix added to denote the lack of blood ties […]. The midwife was an important person in the kinship system, being the “godmother” of the infant. [Moreover, during] times of hardship, infanticide was practiced. Children were named after deceased relatives, and since there was a belief in reincarnation, the soul as well as the name was passed on to the child. […] Many marriages were arranged and most people were betrothed in infancy. […] A male had to own a kayak to be eligible for marriage and a female had to be able to take care of a household. Polygyny was practiced but was generally limited to good hunters who were able to support a greater number of wives and children.» (p. 78-79)