Raccoon

Masked bandits of the night, raiders of farm crops and rubbish bins, raccoons are notorious for their indifference to human property and propriety, yet they are also admired for their intelligence, dexterity and determination. Raccoons have also thoroughly adapted to human-dominated environments; they are thriving in numbers greater than at any point of their evolutionary history ... including in new habitats.

Raccoonsurveys the natural and cultural history of this opportunistic omnivore, tracing its biological evolution, social significance, and image in a range of media and political contexts.

From intergalactic misanthropes and despoilers of ancient temples to coveted hunting quarry, unpredictable pet, and symbols of wilderness and racial stereotype alike,Raccoonoffers a lively consideration of this misunderstood outlaw species. (From Reaktion Books)

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• Daniel Heath Justice on why the raccoon is a significant creature to Indigenous cultures

Daniel Heath Justice is an American-born Canadian academic and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He is professor of First Nations and Indigenous Studies and English at the University of British Columbia. Heis the author ofBadgerandWhy Indigenous Literatures Matter.

Interviews with Daniel Heath Justice

13:19Daniel Heath Justice on Raccoon

Daniel Heath Justice talks to Shelagh Rogers about his book, Raccoon.

The Next Chapter12:27Daniel Heath Justice recommends three favourite fantasy books

Columnist and fantasy writer Daniel Heath Justice on three top novels in the genre: Gods of Shade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Witchmark by C L Polk and Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline.

Unreserved13:35The Indigenous connection to the Underground Railroad

Most stories of the Underground Railroad follow the narrative of white people helping Black people escape slavery, but overlook the involvement of Indigenous allies who often risked their own lives to help freedom seekers cross into Canada safely. Historian Roy Finkenbine is among those rewriting that history.