AMERICAN INDIANS: Stereotypes & Realities

AMERICAN INDIANS: Stereotypes & Realities Review

American Indians: Stereotypes & Realities by Devon A. Mihesuah is an excellent introductory work on the myths and stereotypes surrounding America's original inhabitants. This book is a quick read and is fairly well written. Mihesuah cuts to the chase and lays down what is right and what is wrong with "Euro-American" perspectives on indigenous culture in simple terms. As another reviewer has mentioned, she does come off as condescending and at times utterly hostile; but in the many instances that this occurs, it seems to be the only avenue in getting a serious point across. I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars if it weren't for the poor editing and minor instances of overt and inappropriate hostility. There are numerous typos, misspellings and grammar mistakes that makes this scholarly work less than scholarly. I would recommend reading this book with other supplementary material in order to gain a solid introductory foundation on the subject of the American Indian. “Mihesuah’s work should be required reading for elementary and upper level teachers, college instructors and parents. Let us hope it finds a wide readership in mainstream circles.” Joel Monture, Multicultural Review “Professor Mihesuah goes beyond simply providing responses to common stereotypes. She provides the reader with assistance in efforts to improve understanding of her peoples... a valuable contribution in bringing greater clarity to important issues.” Alejandro Garcia, Journal of Multicultural Social Work “Devon Mihesuah has provided precious insight into the racial identity and cultural struggles of American Indians... I applaud Devon Mihesuah for successfully confronting the literature of false portrayal and negative images of Indian people.” Dr. Donald L. Fixico, Professor of History Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo (Shawnee, Sac & Fox, Creek, Seminole) “A good sourcebook for dispelling misconceptions and negative stereotypes about American Indians. These beliefs and attitudes exist and these statements are made in academic settings. It is fortunate that there are professors like Devon Mihesuah in classrooms to present the “other side”, perhaps only once in the lifetime of some students...” Dr. Karen Swisher, Director, Center for Indian Education Arizona State University (Standing Rock Sioux) “This book will be a very useful reader for anyone truly trying to understand who American Indians really are. There is no other book on Indian images that provides the Indian “voice” that Devon maintains throughout the text.” Dr. Duane Champagne, Director UCLA American Indian Studies Center Editor, American Indian Culture and Research Journal (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) “Devon Mihesuah is one of the most gifted Native American scholars in the country today.” Robert A. Williams, Jr., Professor of Law University of Arizona, Tucson (Lumbee) “Amusing and a helpful guide to general readers not that familiar with the national Indian community” Dr. Terry P. Wilson, Native American Studies University of California, Berkeley (Potawatomie)

To Kill an Eagle: Indian Views on the Last Days of Crazy Horse

To Kill an Eagle: Indian Views on the Last Days of Crazy Horse Review

Information in this book comes from people who knew Crazy Horse or people who knew people who knew him. Much of this information centers on the actual location where Crazy Horse once lived. Trade Paperback

Indian Political Thought: A Reader

Indian Political Thought: A Reader Review

This Reader provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of contemporary Indian political theory. Tracing the development of the discipline and offering a clear presentation of the most influential literature in the field, it brings together contributions by outstanding and well-known academics on contemporary Indian political thought. The Reader weaves together relevant works from the social sciences — sociology, anthropology, law, history, philosophy, feminist and postcolonial theory — which shape the nature of political thought in India today. Themes both unique to the Indian political milieu as well as of universal significance are reflected upon, including tradition, secularism, communalism, modernity, feminism, justice and human rights. Presenting a canon of names and offering a framework for further research within the broad thematic categories, this is a timely and invaluable reference tool, indispensable to both students and scholars.

The Miami Indians of Indiana: A Persistent People, 1654-1994

The Miami Indians of Indiana: A Persistent People, 1654-1994 Review

Now scattered in small communities in Northern Indiana, the Eastern Miami Indians have lived in undeserved obscurity since the 1840s. In 1791 Chief Little Turtle and the Miami inflicted the worst defeat ever of an American army by Indians. The Miami ceded most of Indiana in a series of treaties beginning after the War of 1812. Chief Richardville led Miami resistence to removal which finally took place in 1846. Half of the Miami tribe was exempted and many more returned from Kansas Territory to rebuild the home community. The Indiana Miami negotiated a new treaty in 1854 that guaranteed their way of life and slowly adapted to late 19th century American society. Hunting, fishing and casual labor continued as they had in the past, while some children were sent to far off federal Indian schools. Others began working for the many circuses that wintered in Peru, Indiana, beginning in the 1880s. Legal tragedy struck the tribe in 1897 when their treaty rights were abruptly terminated. Their effort to regain status under federal Indian law has involved them intimately in twentieth-century American Indian history. In recent years, the Indiana Miami have become more visible as they have again sought restoration of their treaty rights and have revitalized their culture. The first history of the Eastern Miami tribe, this volume is a fascinating combination of social, legal, and economic history, much enhanced by folklore and a rich series of maps and photographic images.

Stewart Rafert is adjunct professor of history at the University of Delaware. The book explores the history and culture of the Miami Indians, who have fought for many years to gain tribal status from the U.S. government. This volume will appeal to a general audience as well as serious students of tribal history interested in the experience of a North American Indian tribal community over three and a half centuries.

An Introduction to West Indian Poetry

An Introduction to West Indian Poetry Review

Laurence A. Breiner's text, An Introduction to West Indian Poetry, is an important resource to the field of Caribbean Literature, specifically, and World Literature, generally. While the book is seen by many scholars and reviewers as a major resource for scholars "new" to the discipline, the text provides a solid, if cursory, historical base for those who touch upon the study of Caribbean poetry/literature in World Literature and Culture classes. Breiner has given the scholar a departure point for further historical investigation of the literature. More importantly, this work should urge scholars to put down their "historical shovels" for a while in the pursuit of a more lucid aesthetic understanding of Caribbean poetry. While the canon of Caribbean poetry dates back to the 18th century, there is still a limited body of critical work on Caribbean Poetics. Perhaps, Breiner's synthesis of the literary history should assist in moving scholars beyond further historicizing into aesthetic and theoretical arenas of investigation.

Dr. Emily Allen Williams Morehouse College Atlanta, GA 30314-3773 This introduction to West Indian poetry is written for readers making their first approach to the poetry of the Caribbean written in English. It offers a comprehensive literary history from the 1920s to the 1980s, with particular attention to the relationship of West Indian poetry to European, African and American literature. Close readings of individual poems give detailed analysis of social and cultural issues at work in the writing. Laurence Breiner's exposition speaks powerfully about the defining forces in Caribbean culture from colonialism to resistance and decolonization.

Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America

Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America Review

Although the clarity of some of his writing is a little fuzzy, Weatherford uses his expansive knowledge of Native American history as the basis of his work in a manner that is quite intriguing. However, I believe that while the basic premises of Weatherford's thesis are sound, his assertions frequently overstate the Indian's influence on the settlers. For a number of his references, he has relied on secondary sources, some of which are incomplete or even controversial in regards to the validity and reliability of their factual assertions. For instance, Weatherford frequently refers to historical documents and journals of various explorers (i.e. - DeSoto, Schoolcraft, Columbus), missionaries and other early settlers as sources for his "facts", without having the benefit of being able to interview any of them first-hand. He would have been able to make sure he more fully understood the nuances and exact meaning of their writings if he had at least conducted more first-hand interviews with their descendents and others who were associated with them. This is, of course, something that is at times unavoidable in this genre of writing. And even though he usually clarifies the reliability of the material he cites, Weatherford does not always make it explicit that the events he refers to are chronicled as someone's opinions of what they observed, and are not necessarily a 100% accurate account of what really took place.

It would seem that with such an extensive knowledge of Native American history as his basis, that Weatherford's work would not only be adequate, but even possibly the defining work on this subject. I feel this is not the case. Although he writes about some 20 or so different aspects of the social, material, technologic and intellectual culture of Native Americans in an attempt to show how present-day America was built on Indian foundations, his rendition of the abuses, atrocities and various injustices they suffered is somewhat one-sided. Weatherford tells of Indians being extensively enslaved by the early Spanish and European explorers and how they were cruelly treated while in servitude. He also tells of their homes being burned, their places of worship and burial being looted and desecrated and other offenses that would make even the most callous person cringe with disgust. While these tragic atrocities most certainly happened, he does not make mention of the other races (except for brief mentions of African American slaves), such as the poor, lower class Europeans, that were forced into indentured servitude along with the Indians. These whites were slaves to almost the same extent as the Indians. Whether it was to pay their fare across the ocean to the "New World", to pay off some real or imagined debt to a nobleman or some other circumstance, these indentured whites were treated just as poorly, if sometimes not more so, as the enslaved Native Americans. Weatherford also does not make any real mention of those that spoke out against the practice of enslaving the Native Americans and African Americans. Just as there were abolitionists in the Civil War era, there were sure to have been anti-slavery advocates in the early days of the "New World". If one were to take Weatherford's account of early North American history at absolute face value, it would seem that the Spaniards, Europeans and other newcomers were little more than self-centered, cruel, greedy warmongers that had no other cares in the world than their own advancement. It would also seem that they did nothing more than rape, loot, pillage, destroy and/or enslave every Native American group that they encountered. Other races suffered injustices just as grave as those purported upon the Indians. They just are not always as "publicized" in the annals of history. The positive contributions of early European settlers, such as the introduction of horses, metalworking and other skills, are virtually unmentioned in the pages of Native Roots.

Weatherford's work is more than adequate in the sense that it gives the reader a wealth of information about how the Indians provided much of the foundations upon which modern North American culture is built. It also is adequate in regards to detailing the horrors that were committed against the Indians by the explorers and early settlers. However, I find it lacking in that it seemingly presents only the totally "pro-Indian" point of view. If I were face-to-face with Weatherford, I would ask him why he did not adequately discuss the massacres, rapes, looting, burning, etc. that the Indians committed against the settlers and other newcomers. Would he say that their acts were in retaliation for the crimes first committed against them by the whites? Perhaps he would, but even that would not justify the "cruelty-in-kind" on the part of the Indians. Regardless of the injustices suffered, returning evil for evil does not solve anything. As the old saying goes, "Two wrongs still don't make a right." What are the implications to be found in the history of the interactions between the early Spanish and Europeans with the Native Americans? How does what happened so long ago affect us today? I think we can take the lessons about the need for racial tolerance and cultural integration learned in these long past decades and centuries and transplant them directly into modern times. Some of the misunderstandings and misconceptions about others of a different ethnic or cultural background still exist today. The early Spanish Conquistadors, the European "explorers" and "missionaries", their monarchs and others all touted the superiority of their individual ethnicity and cultural standing. They felt the Indians were mere savages to be enslaved or "converted" as a means of controlling them and taking what was rightfully theirs. Organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan, the Arian Nation and the Black Panthers as well as others each advocate their own brand of hatred, often calling for "racial purity" so as to be able to emerge as the dominant race in the world. We must learn from the disastrous consequences of these types of attitudes that were evidenced in the early days of North American settlement. If we do not, we will be condemned to repeat them and once again suffer the intolerable injustices of a bygone era that is best left right where it is; in the past. "Well written, imagery-ridden...A tale of what was, what became, and what is today regarding the Indian relation to the European civilization that 'grafted' itself onto this ancient system.'"
MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE
Conventional American history holds that the white settlers of the New World re-created the societies they had known in England, France, and Spain. But as anthropologist Jack Weatherford, author of INDIAN GIVERS, brilliantly shows, the Europeans actually grafted their civilization onto the deep and nourishing roots of Native American customs and beliefs. Our place names, our farming and hunting techniques, our crafts, the very blood that flows in our veins--all derive from American Indians ways that we consistently fail to see.

Ten Little Indians (A Mystery Play in Three Acts)

Ten Little Indians (A Mystery Play in Three Acts) Review

Taken at face value, And Then There Were None may as well have been the basis of the 1985 movie Clue. Of course, as funny that movie was, this novel was anything but.

But the premise is very similar. Strangers made to come together in a remote place by an invitation from an anonymous sender. However this is where the two works of fiction diverge. The movie Clue revolves around a plot with characters who have received the same letter/invitation (as in verbatim). In And Then There Were None however, each letter is eerily suited to a particular person. Some were enticed by the prospect of a good time or the promise of meeting old acquaintances (as what they have been wanting to do or have), others were lured by financial opportunities (as was their pressing need); whilst others still had vague motivations for coming.

The author is unrelenting in building the suspense - from the first bits in the train/carriage ride bearing the arriving guests - up to the climax. Snatches of thoughts from each character make it helpful for the reader (to a certain extent) to pin down which is which. There's the judge who can lie still as a stone but whose pale eyes are razor sharp, always taking everything in. The self-righteous and religious fanatic middle-aged woman whose demeanor is rarely ruffled. The younger female who looks sensible but whose thoughts are haunted and chaotic. The general whose disdain for the brash, younger generation is hard to miss. The doctor whose seeming contentment with his career is nevertheless shadowed by a past controversy. And then others more whose presence in Indian Island certainly make the group a strange mix of persons.

The first solid chilling clue is the presence of the Ten Little Indian Boys rhyme set in each of the guest's bedroom. (I had to write it all down as a guide...No, really. It's a requirement)

The guests themselves have barely been reluctant acquaintances upon arrival when a strange, disembodied voice blasts over the whole drawing room where they have all retired after dinner. And then the chills creep in all over again.

Each of those present is accused of murder.

Well then of course one just has to read on. Because that's the beauty of Agatha Christie novels. It's all up-front murder but the mastery lies in her exposition. Who and how was it all done?

I again thought that it might be the same as Clue, in which the presence of deadly weapons is a silent command that all characters finish each other off.

But no. In this novel, the characters have no reason to kill each other. And yet all of them, because of those accusations, deserve to die.

And if this is not your first Agatha Christie, then I guess my saying that it's useless to make any guesses is understandable.

Just sit back and let the narrative do the work for you.

And if you still find yourself guessing every so often, I can't blame you. And that's why I'm loving this author.

Mystery / 8m, 3f / Int. In this superlative mystery comedy statuettes of little soldier boys on the mantel of a house on an island off the coast of Devon fall to the floor and break one by one as those in the house succumb to a diabolical avenger. A nursery rhyme tells how each of the ten "soldiers" met his death until there were none. Eight guests who have never met each other or their apparently absent host and hostess are lured to the island and, along with the two house servants, marooned. A mysterious voice accuses each of having gotten away with murder and then one drops dead---poisoned. One down and nine to go! The excitement never lets up in this ideal play for schools, colleges and little theatres.

Northwest Coast Indian Painting: House Fronts and Interior Screens

Northwest Coast Indian Painting: House Fronts and Interior Screens Review

First, it is a mystery to me why this title doesn't appear from search words "Tlingit, Haida or Salish" since its content goes far beyond Indian Painting/art. While Indian painting, specifically house fronts and interior screens (dying arts enjoying a resurgence) are extremely well covered and illustrated in this book Malin adeptly intertwines culture, geography and history which makes these art forms come alive and take on meaning beyond 'art for art's sake.' This book could have been complete with just the 120 pages of fantastic color and black and white picture and illustrations -- that combined with 160 pages detailing and clearly explaining geography, culture and cultural influences and historical information relating to the Northwest Coast tribes of Alaska and Canada (Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Tsimshian, Bella Coola, Kwakiutl, Salish and Nuu chaa nulth) make this a "must" for anyone interested in these tribes -- either in their art or culture and history! Art was integral to the daily life of these natives...tools made and used for daily subsistence and living were artistically fashioned using the crests "owned" by each clan. Social rank and wealth were at the heart of exterior house painting and interior screens. The author's 55 year fascination with the tribes of the northwest coast is clearly evident in this book. The fascinating but nearly extinct native tradition of monumental house art in Alaska is richly documented in this sumptuous book. Through rare historical photographs and his own stunning renderings in vivid color, pioneering anthropologist Edward Malin captures the vanishing riches of Northwest Coast house front paintings and interior screen partitions. With abiding respect and wonder, Malin considers every aspect of the works and explores the ways of the Tlingit, Coast Tsimshian, Haida, Northern Kwakiutl, Southern Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka’wakw), Bella Coola (Nuxalk), Nuu chaa nulth, and the communities that nurtured them. For all admirers of native art, this book is an essential reference and thoughtful, in-depth guide.

More Than Moccasins: A Kid's Activity Guide to Traditional North American Indian Life (A Kid's Guide series)

More Than Moccasins: A Kid's Activity Guide to Traditional North American Indian Life (A Kid's Guide series) Review

This is the best, most extensive book on Native American crafts for children I have ever seen. Teachers doing a unit on Native Americans will find this book a tremendous resource for creating all kinds of not authentic, but good semblances of Native American crafts. Using mostly ordinary materials, there's enough here that you can create a classroom museum and invite others to see it. In your display you can have: miniature teepees and wigwams, an "adobe" house, pottery, "bark" boxes (made of brown paper), chamois and bead pouch, coup stick, breechcloth, leggings, grass anklets (made of yarn), warbonnet, headband, breastplate, and much more. These clothing items can also be used in a play or other enactment. In addition, there are some interesting recipes, including: corn soup, steamed clover, fried squash blossoms, roasted pumpkin seeds, and other more familiar foods.

More Than Moccasins: A Kid's Activity Guide to Traditional North American Indian Life (A Kid's Guide series) Feature

• ISBN13: 9781556522130
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Kids will discover traditions and skills from the people who first settled this continent, including gardening, making useful pottery, and communicating through Navajo codes.