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TitleCautionary tales: Making and breaking community in the oil sands region
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsWestman, C.
Volume38
Issue2
Pagination20 pages
Date Published04/2013
PublisherCanadian Journal of Sociology
Publication Languageeng
ISSN Number0318-6431
Abstract

I consider data from Cree and Métis history, ethnology, and mythology to focus on three transformative modes (integration, disintegration, and mediation) in relation to concepts of community. I develop an allegorical fantasy of oily monsters, tricksters, and their appetites arising from liquid commodities, in opposition to more integrative ritual practices that have historically underpinned community in the oil sands region of northern Alberta. Specifically, I suggest that (petro)-capitalism can be compared to the monstrous Windigo (not a trickster) with respect to its uncontrolled appetites and growth, and also that various proposed technical remediations resemble the vain adventures of the hubristic, foolish, and acquisitive Amerindian Trickster.

URLhttps://ejournals.library.ualberta.ca/index.php/CJS/article/download/19892/15416
Locational Keywords

northern Alberta, Alberta oil sands

Active Link

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/857769236

Group

CEMA

Citation Key50592

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