This academic anthology is, as far as I know, the first to focus entirely on reincarnation beliefs among Native American (Indian) and Inuit tribes. Gathered here are 16 research papers by anthropologists and one psychiatrist, which document Indian beliefs in reincarnation and other forms of rebirth. The conculsion? These beliefs were/are more widespread among Native Americans that is usually thought.

Surprised? I certainly was. Although I had previously run across scattered references to reincarnation among Indians (such as few short paragraphs in John Lame Deer's autobiography, "Lame Deer, Seeker of Visions"), I had no idea the belief in it was so widespread. Like so much else about native cultures, it appears we have been viewing this aspect through the eyes of "first contact" Europeans who, because their own belief system(s) did not allow for reincarnation, failed to recognize it in the Indian cultures they encountered.

Now for the first time, we can read a fine collection of studies that clearly document these beliefs in fascinating detail. The material is rich in anecdotes about dreams, visions, legends, Creation myths, and the lives of heros, healers, and shamans. The book includes older source material previous gathered -- and now being re-revaluated -- as well as modern cases where native individuals remember previous lives.

However, New agers or neo-shamans who want an inspiring "spirituality" read will probably be disappointed. And native Indians themselves might be put off by yet another round of Anglo anthropologists studying them. The approach here is quite scholarly, and the style is post-graduate level research paper -- think "early Ian Stevenson" (who did, in fact, write one of the articles in the book, about his research among the Tlinget tribes.) But for those who are willing to step into an anthropological mindset for a while, this book will be a real eye-opener, as well as a valuable source book. Highly recommended to any serious student of reincarnation teachings, as well as anyone interested in shamanism, comparative religion, etc.