Canoe Back in Time

For many decades Dorothy Downs has maintained a close relationship with the Miccosukee Indians of Florida. She agrees with tribal elders who are concerned that Indian youngsters are losing cultural knowledge-- especially the teaching of Breathmaker, the creator of life. Downs explores the broad spectrum of Miccosukee beliefs through the life experiences of Sally, a fictional ten-year-old girl, who lived in an camp on the edge of the Everglades in the 1920s. The work is uniquely illustrated by Downs .Although intended primarily for younger readers, Canoe Back in Time is an excellent primer for anyone interested in learning more about the Miccosukee people.

Harry A. Kersey, Jr.

Author of Buffalo Tiger: A Life in the Everglades

 

 

The fictional story Canoe Back in Time touches on true cultural relationships between mothers and daughters. I can see how the author developed a story of a Miccosukee mother and her daughter, Sally. And I appreciate the passage about my father Buffalo Tiger and the strong values he was taught, including manners, respect for elders and family and other tribal members.

 

This book would be a good introduction for school children, Indian and non-Indian. Hopefully, it will gain the young people’s interest in how different the Miccosukee ways are from non-Miccosukees. I also like the fact that the green corn dance is mentioned; it is an integral part of the Miccosukee tradition, culture, and preservation.

Lee Tiger, son of Buffalo Tiger