Abstract

Western philosophy has long held scientific rationalism in a place of honour. Reason, that particularly exalted human quality, has become steadily distanced from the metaphysical aspects of existence, such as spirit, faith, and intuition. In Tsawalk, hereditary chief Umeek introduces us to an alternative indigenous worldview--an ontology drawn from the Nuu-chah-nulth origin stories. A valuable contribution to Native studies, anthropology, philosophy, and the study of science, Tsawalk offers a revitalizing and thoughtful complement to Western scientific worldviews.