Благодаря пожертвованиям редкая книга о Little Shell Tribe выходит в печать

Thanks to the generosity of donors from across Montana and beyond, a rare book on the history of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa people is back in print. The late author Nicholas C.P. Vrooman — a historian and writer who also served as the state folklorist of Montana and North Dakota — dedicated his life to researching and advocating for the Little Shell people. His book, titled “The Whole Country was … ‘One Robe’: The Little Shell Tribe’s America,” is considered the definitive work on the history of the Little Shell. The groundbreaking volume sold out rapidly in the United States and Canada after it was published by the Drumlummon Institute in 2012. “The Little Shell people have a remarkable story to tell, one of tenacity, diplomacy and cross-cultural exchanges that heavily influenced the history of the Northern Plains,” said Montana Historical Society Press editor Jeff Bartos. “When the Drumlummon Institute approached us about partnering to reissue Vrooman’s book, we knew we could find the financial support we needed to put it in the hands of new readers.” Together, the Drumlummon Institute and the Montana Historical Society raised more than $60,000 to reprint the 504-page volume, which features more than 400 historic images. Five hundred copies of the book will be given to the Little Shell Tribe to help the next generation learn their own stories and heritage. “Nicholas Vrooman was determined to record and preserve the Little Shell’s history for future generations,” Bartos said. “We’re extremely grateful to our donors who enabled us continue his vision and make this important volume available again to all who seek to understand the role of Chippewa Cree and Métis history in the American West.” The reissuing of Vrooman’s book comes on the heels of the Little Shell Tribe’s federal restoration in 2019, a hard-won victory after a more than century-long battle to gain land and treaty rights. Vrooman died in June 2019, just months before the tribe gained restoration. “This book is a comprehensive chronicle of one of the most poignant, tragic, beautiful stories in human history,” writes Krys Holmes, executive director of the Montana Arts Council. “This is a culture forged in collaboration, founded in family, enlivened by beauty and music, and strengthened by almost unbelievable acts of courage and honor. Anyone living in the Northern Rockies region should know the story of the Métis people.” “The Whole Country was … ‘One Robe’” will be available in August through Farcountry Press (farcountrypress.com) or at the Montana Heritage Center Gift Shop. Readers can purchase the book online at mthspress.mt.gov. The book retails for $59.95 hardcover, ISBN 978-1-7370960-7-8.