Encounters at the Heart of the World

[lgarcia]

Elizabeth A. Fenn authored a 2014 book entitled "Encounters at the Heart of the World".
It seems to be a extremely well researched book.
Lots of footnotes filled with all kinds of information.
I thumbed through the book, but did not purchase it. Why?
Only a few words in the Native language was used in the book.
When it came to village names she used the antiquated or should I say misspelled names.
In the Three Tribes section of our website I posted the names of the five villages at the Knife River.

The title is referring to where the Heart River's mouth joins the Missouri River in Morton County, North Dakota.
This location is considered the Center of the Universe by the Nuita (Mandan).
The Hidatsa name of this river is Naada Aashi Sh (Heart- Stream- definite article).
The Mandan name is Ratka Pasa Sh, and the Arikara (Sanish)name is Wiisu Sahaanu.
I defense of Ms. Fenn, she is not a linguist, but neither am I.
A trip to the Fort Berthold Reservation to see the people and to their college at New Town, ND
would have added a personal touch to the book.

LouieG

[chicheman]

Hello Louie,

I fully agree about the Research, she did that extremely well. I´ve the book since last autumn and
find it very informative, interesting and very well done.

Well, I have to speak for her defense, she did not only visit the Rez and with the People,she also
made friends there, and in the book is to find that she also was given a Mandan Name. She was using a Little of the Native Language, but you´re right, I also wished it was much more. Anyway, in my eyes a book to recommend. Thanks for your addition of the village names at the Knive River, and all the things you share with us here. Best from Germany, Chicheman