On Concepts and ‘the Best Place’

Comparative First Nations, Chinese and Western Traditions on Comprehending Reality

Authors

  • Earle H Waugh University of Alberta
  • Chief Wayne Roan Mountain Cree of Alberta

Keywords:

Cree belief system, Chinese Philosophy, Comparative Religion

Abstract

This article attempts to place Cree conceptions of reality on the same footing as both Western and Chinese traditions; drawing upon both oral and written sources, especially that of ceremonialist Wayne Roan, the Cree case is made for a concept of ‘the best place’ for understanding something, implying that rational thought itself has to be ‘placed’ in order to come to any conclusions. This introduces a different dimension into discussions in relation to the other two traditions, both of which appear to construct reality without relation to either physical or metaphysical ‘place’. However, other aspects of Cree conceptions do not differ that greatly from the Chinese understanding of reality.

Author Biographies

  • Earle H Waugh, University of Alberta

    See Waugh, www.albertasource.ca/natureslaw

  • Chief Wayne Roan, Mountain Cree of Alberta

    Wayne Roan is a ceremonialist and chief of the Mountain Cree Band, south of Edson, Alberta in the Rocky Mountains. He is a pipe and sweat owner. He is also reputed to be a medicine person of considerable ability. All interviews took place in various places in Alberta during 2004-2005 at various locations and in various kinds of company. I am indebted to him for his graciousness in aiding me to understand nehiyaw tradition.

References

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Published

2006-02-15

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Section

Religious Studies and Theology

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