Bernard Arcand, Canadian anthropologist and author (d. 2009)

Bernard Arcand (April 18, 1945 – January 30, 2009) was a distinguished French-Canadian anthropologist, author, and communicator whose multifaceted career significantly enriched both academia and public discourse in Quebec and beyond. Born in Deschambault, a picturesque village in Québec, his life was dedicated to exploring human culture, teaching, and making complex anthropological insights accessible to a broader audience.

Academic Journey and Influence

Arcand's intellectual path began at the Université de Montréal, where he laid his academic foundation in social sciences, earning his baccalaureate in 1965 and a master's degree in 1966. His quest for deeper knowledge then led him across the Atlantic to the prestigious University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, a renowned global hub for anthropological thought. There, he further specialized in social anthropology, obtaining a certificate in 1967 and successfully completing his doctorate in 1972, solidifying his expertise in the field.

His teaching career spanned continents, reflecting his international academic grounding. He served as a lecturer at Copenhagen University in 1971 before returning to Canada to take up an assistant professorship at McGill University, a prominent institution in Montreal, from 1972 to 1976. However, it was at Université Laval, located in Québec City, where Bernard Arcand truly established his long-term academic legacy. From 1976 until his retirement in 2006, he dedicated three decades to the university's anthropology department, progressing from an assistant professor to a tenured position, becoming a highly respected and influential figure in Canadian academia.

Contributions to the Field and Public Life

Beyond his roles in the classroom, Arcand was actively involved in shaping the anthropological discourse in Canada. He was a valuable member of the editorial board for the influential journal Anthropologie et Sociétés from 1982 to 1987, contributing to the scholarly direction of the publication. His leadership was further recognized when he served as president of the Société canadienne d'anthropologie (Canadian Anthropology Society) from 1989 to 1991, a period where he helped guide the strategic direction of the discipline nationally.

Bernard Arcand was also a notable public intellectual, skillfully bridging the gap between academic rigor and popular engagement. His 1991 book, The Jaguar and the Anteater, a compelling series of essays offering an anthropological perspective on the complex topic of pornography, earned him the prestigious Governor General's Award, one of Canada's highest literary honors. This work exemplified his ability to explore sensitive cultural subjects with intellectual depth and nuance. Alongside Serge Bouchard, he captivated radio audiences as co-host of the popular show The Commonplace, broadcast on Radio-Canada in 1990. Their engaging discussions on everyday phenomena, infused with intellectual curiosity and wit, resonated widely. Selected texts and extracts from these memorable broadcasts were later published between 1993 and 2003, preserving their unique insights for future readers. Additionally, Arcand and Bouchard contributed their distinctive humor and keen observational skills to the journal Science Quebec with their column titled "Bien vu!" (which translates to "Well observed!"), offering sharp commentary on a variety of subjects.

Fieldwork and Cultural Legacy

A significant aspect of Arcand's anthropological legacy stems from his vital ethnographic fieldwork with the Cuiva people in Colombia. This immersive research provided profound insights into their culture and way of life, and its importance was recognized through its documentation in the 1971 film Last of the Cuiva. This film was part of the renowned Disappearing World series of anthropological films, which aimed to sensitively capture the lives of indigenous cultures experiencing rapid societal changes, ensuring their stories were preserved and understood globally.

Bernard Arcand also hailed from a family deeply embedded in the cultural landscape of Canada. He was the brother of two prominent figures: acclaimed film director Denys Arcand, known internationally for works such as The Decline of the American Empire and The Barbarian Invasions, and accomplished actor Gabriel Arcand, who has graced numerous Canadian stage and screen productions. This familial connection highlights the rich artistic and intellectual environment from which Bernard Arcand emerged, further underscoring his unique place within Canadian cultural history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Bernard Arcand?

Bernard Arcand was a distinguished French-Canadian anthropologist, author, and communicator, recognized for his extensive academic career at Université Laval, his award-winning book The Jaguar and the Anteater, and his contributions to public media.

What was his main academic affiliation?

He was primarily affiliated with Université Laval, where he served as a professor in the anthropology department for three decades, from 1976 to 2006.

What is The Jaguar and the Anteater about?

The Jaguar and the Anteater is a celebrated collection of essays by Bernard Arcand that explores the anthropological dimensions of pornography, for which he received the prestigious Governor General's Award.

Did Bernard Arcand have any famous siblings?

Yes, he was the brother of two well-known Canadian cultural figures: film director Denys Arcand and actor Gabriel Arcand.

What was his connection to the Cuiva people?

Bernard Arcand conducted significant ethnographic fieldwork with the Cuiva indigenous group in Colombia, which was documented in the influential 1971 anthropological film Last of the Cuiva.