Bringing a fresh perspective to multicultural studies, Greaves illuminates the current situation of 13 of our most traditional peoples in the United States and Canada. Included are small tribal groups, ethnic groups with a unique way of life, new immigrants, and refugees with strong roots in war-torn homelands. A broad diversity of cultures is presented, including the Lummi in Washington State, the African Americans in the coastal zone of Georgia, the Amish of Lancaster County, and the Hmong in Wisconsin. The relevant issues of their survival in today's global culture will engage students and general readers alike.

Each chapter covers a specific group, including sections on the land, people, traditional subsistence strategies, political and social organization, religion and worldview, threats to survival, and response to those threats. A common format to each chapter facilitates comparisons between cases. A Food for Thought section has questions for discussion or paper topics, and a helpful Resource Guide lists further reading, films and videos, websites, and organizations. Maps and photos complement the text.