No Word for Time

Evan T. Pritchard has created a poetic work that honors the timeless world of the Algonquin people. Ironically, it is also a timely book, one that could prove to be an antidote for the frenzy of our increasingly ‘24/7’ world. In a culture obsessed with information and ‘lifestyles,’ this wonderful work reminds us that what really matters is using our time more wisely than efficiently, and what is sacred is visible only to the eyes of the soul.

A descendant of the Algonquins explores a rapidly disappearing world in which there is no word for time and life moves with the rhythms of nature —the world of the Algonquin Indians. One of the largest and most diverse language groups in the world, the nations and tribes which are related under the title “Algonquin” once occupied most of the northeastern United States, from the Mississippi River to the Atlantic Ocean, and great portions of southern Canada. Their influence on the culture and history of North America has been immense. Here we share this world and experience with the author a sweat lodge, vision quest, ceremonial dances and the wise teachings of Algonquin elders.

“In No Word for Time, Evan T. Pritchard has created a poetic work that honors the timeless world of the Algonquin people. Ironically, it is also a timely book, one that could prove to be an antidote for the frenzy of our increasingly ‘24/7’ world. In a culture obsessed with information and ‘lifestyles,’ this wonderful work reminds us that what really matters is using our time more wisely than efficiently, and what is sacred is visible only to the eyes of the soul.”
— Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage; screenwriter, The Peyote Road; and co-screenwriter, Wiping the Tears of Seven Generations

“Pritchard has come up with an astonishingly lyrical and spiritually deep summation of Algonquin myth, history, and philosophy. This is one of the best books on Native American spirituality for many a moon.”
— Values & Visions

“This is a book to savor slowly and learn from . . . . [It] speaks with directness and warmth to those with an interest in respectful participation.”
— Napra Review

“This book holds the promise of helping the reader understand deeply—more deeply than from superficial descriptions of culture— Native ways of thinking, speaking, and acting.”
— Dr. Robert Leavitt, director, MicMac-Maliseet Institute, University of New Brunswick, Canada

“I am a great fan of my Micmac brother Evan, who is always in my prayers and travels with me each and every day. He encourages me wherever I am, and I am thankful.”
— Ken Little Hawk, MicMac actor, Musician, and Storyteller

About the author

Evan Pritchard, of Mi’kmaq (Algonquin) and Celtic-American descent, is the author of many acclaimed books including Native New Yorkers. He has been a professor of Native American Studies at Pace University and Vassar College and the director of the Center for Algonquin Culture in New York.