From diversity comes strength and wisdom: This was the guiding principle for selecting the articles in this collection. Because there is no single voice, identity, history, or cultural experience that represents the women of the First Nations, a realistic picture will have many facets. Accordingly, the authors in Women of the First Nations include Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars, feminists, and activists from across Canada. Their works examine various aspects of Aboriginal women's lives from a variety of theoretical and personal perspectives. They discuss women's traditional roles as teachers and providers, and they challenge standard media representations, as well as historical and current realities. They bring new perspectives to discussions on Aboriginal art, literature, historical and cultural contributions, and they offer diverse viewpoints on present economic, environmental, and political issues. This collection counters the marginalization and silencing of First Nations women's voices and reflects the power, strength, and wisdom inherent in their lives.

Papers presented at the National Symposium on Aboriginal Women of Canada, University of Lethbridge, October, 1989.