Fatal Errors: Ruth Landes and the Creation of the "Atomistic Ojibwa"

Authors

  • Joan A. Lovisek Unionville, Ontario
  • Tim E. Holzkamm North Dakota State University
  • Leo G. Waisberg Kenora, Ontario

Abstract

This article examines several aspects of Ruth Landes' depiction of the Boundary Waters Ojibwa. Based on field work in the 1930s, the "Emo" Ojibwa were characterized ahistorically by Landes as atomistic individuals living in small bands having no indigenous political organization, driven by need to disperse widely in a meagre country. Research into Landes' published and unpublished materials, in conjunction with ethnohistorical research and Elder testimony, reveal major problems with Landes' field work and her analysis of the Ojibwa. Although Landes' work represents many of the biases and preconceptions of colonial anthropology, regrettably, she compromised her ethnographic portrayal by fabrications, by serious errors of fact and omission and by questionable methodology. These weaknesses limit Landes' work as a reliable source on the Ojibwa.

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Author Biographies

Joan A. Lovisek, Unionville, Ontario

Joan A. Lovisek holds a PhD in Anthropology from McMaster University and specializes in Ojibwa ethnohistory. She has conducted field research among Ojibwa/Saulteaux in Ontario and Saskatchewan. She is author of numerous papers on Ojibwa land use and political organization and has a forthcoming contribution to the Encyclopedia of Canada's Peoples. Since 1979, she has provided research consultation on various aspects of Ojibwa ethnohistory to First Nations and government. She is currently engaged in research into the historical and political aspects of the Midewiwin.

Tim E. Holzkamm, North Dakota State University

Tim E. Holzkamm has consulted as an ethnohistorian since 1980. He currently teaches anthropology at North Dakota State University and resides on the White Earth Indian Reservation. He also does land claims analysis and advisement for several First Nations and organizations, and is an author on such topics as Dakota and Anishinaabeg history, fisheries, flooding, forestry, mineral use and agriculture. He has served as an expert in court, and for administrative tribunals, on treaty and resource rights.

Leo G. Waisberg, Kenora, Ontario

Leo G. Waisberg has consulted as an ethnohistorian in northwestern Ontario since May 1975, when, he reports, Manitou Rapids Anishinaabeg first made complaints to him about Ruth Landes and cultural anthropology. He is a land claims analyst for several First Nations and their research organizations, an advisor on claims settlement negotiations and an author on such topics as sturgeon fisheries, flooding impacts, forestry and agriculture. He has functioned as an expert in court, and with administrative tribunals, on Ojibwa history, claims, treaty and fishing rights. 

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Published

2022-06-07

How to Cite

Lovisek, J. A., Holzkamm, T. E., & Waisberg, L. G. (2022). Fatal Errors: Ruth Landes and the Creation of the "Atomistic Ojibwa". Anthropologica, 39(1-2), 133–145. Retrieved from https://cas-sca.journals.uvic.ca/index.php/anthropologica/article/view/2060

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 1-2 (1997)

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Articles

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