Canadian Museum of Civilization curator wins prestigious award for historical writing

Canadian Museum of Civilization curator wins prestigious award for historical writing

Recording Their Story, co-published by Douglas & McIntyre and the CMC, describes the life of one of Canada’s first ethnographers, James Teit, and his work among the Tahltan people of northern British Columbia during the first quarter of the 20th century. Teit’s connection to the Museum began in 1911, when with the participation of many Tahltan, he assembled a large and important collection of artifacts, photographs, song recordings and myths. Part biography and part catalogue of this collection, Recording Their Story reveals how the various threads of Teit’s life and work came together in his final ethnographic study.

“Recording Their Story is an outstanding historical publication,” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “It is a prime example of the type of expert research that is fundamental to our Museum’s work — a contribution to public understanding of how our country developed.”

“I am honoured to receive this recognition from the British Columbia Historical Federation,” said Ms. Thompson. “Teit’s contribution to our understanding and knowledge of the Tahltan is invaluable, and I am pleased that this book can help to draw attention to his work.”

Judy Thompson joined the staff at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in 1969, and since 1990, she has been Curator of Western Subarctic Ethnology. Throughout her career, she has had a particular interest in the art and material culture of Northern Athapaskan peoples, the Indigenous peoples of the western subarctic. During the past decade, Ms. Thompson has collaborated with Gwich’in and other Dene partners on several projects to revive traditional arts in basketry, bags and clothing.

Recording Their Story: James Teit and the Tahltan also received the Honourable Mention Award from the Alcuin Society for Excellence in Book Design in Canada. The cover and text of the book was designed by Peter Cocking, a Vancouver-based graphic designer and design teacher who is currently art director of the Douglas & McIntyre Publishing Group.

Canadian Museum of Civilization publications may be purchased at fine bookstores or directly from the Museum.

Mail Order Services
Canadian Museum of Civilization
100 Laurier Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M8
Fax: 819 776-8300
Phone (National Capital Region): 819 776-8387
Toll-free (North America only): 1 800 555-5621
E-mail: publications@historymuseum.ca
Visit us at: http://cyberboutique.historymuseum.ca

 
Media Information:

Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7167

Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: 819 776-7169

Fax: 819 776-7187

2008-05-