@article{cf1ee85d17d0479485bc841b70cc7df8,
title = "Visions of the great mystery: Grounding the Algonquian manitow concept",
abstract = "This article provides an overview of the Algonquian manitow concept. Manitow is often translated as spirit, god or mythical being, but reflects more complex and culturally grounded ideas about power in animist ontologies. The article suggests that manitow should be translated with care, with attention to a range of meanings. The authors refer primarily to Cree examples from Alberta, Canada, but also take a broader view to consider examples from other Algonquian contexts. Beginning with a discussion of definitions, the article then turns to the concept{\textquoteright}s theoretical career. The article provides data on the contemporary dynamics of the manitow in the context of Cree religious pluralism, as well as on the emplacement of manitow relations through toponymy, particularly as seen around lakes named manitow s{\^a}kahikan.",
keywords = "Algonquian, Cree, indigenous, manitow, North America, religious language",
author = "Westman, {Clinton N.} and Joly, {Tara L.}",
note = "Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge the inspiration and support of the First Nation and M{\'e}tis communities who welcomed us for our ethnographic fieldwork, and the many Cree and M{\'e}tis individuals who taught us, some of whom are named above. We also acknowledge the insightful comments and suggestions of the editors, of two anonymous reviewers and of Professor David Meyer. We have drawn on their comments and suggestions in revising the article. Funding This research has been funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the University of Aberdeen/European Research Council (Arctic Domus project), the University of Alberta, the University of Saskatchewan, the Melville Jacobs Research Funds, the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (Northern Scientific Training Program).",
year = "2017",
month = sep,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1177/0037768617713655",
language = "English",
volume = "64",
pages = "360--375",
journal = "Social Compass",
issn = "0037-7686",
publisher = "SAGE Publications Ltd",
number = "3",
}