Dancing With a Ghost: Exploring Indian Reality

Canadians are increasingly aware of the immense gulf that separates Native from other Canadian cultures. Ross seeks to bridge this gap by examining the traditional Cree and Ojibway world view and by showing why their philosophy so often places them in conflict with the Canadian justice system. Ross cites examples of Native ethics, such as a parent's belief in non-interference child-rearing, a victim's hesitation to make eye contact with a prosecutor, or a witness's reluctance to testify or comment on someone else's behaviour, that can lead to unfair judgements in non-Native courts.

In Dancing With a Ghost Ross develops an appreciation of Native philosophy and points to ways in which Native values can be incorporated into court processes and other aspects of mainstream culture. Written with encouragement and guidance from Native leaders across Canada, this timely book suggests how we, collectively, can build a nation which acknowledges and accommodates both societies.