The North
American Indians: Native Americans of the Northeast is another book in
a generic ethnocentric series about Native Americans of North America.
Starting off with the Paleo-Indians following the wooly mammoths
from Asia to what is now Alaska, this book throws Indian tribal names at
you and then lumps them together under two cultures the Iroquois and
Algonquian tribes, then gives a few broad accomplishments such as growing
corn, beans, and squash. Then
briefly tries to interpret Native American Religion for the northeastern
tribes saying they all believed in a “supreme being” and all
“practiced their religions” daily.
When discussing the twentieth century we see:
1)
interest in Native American cultures has been revived and therefore
tribes have began teaching Native languages, History and crafts in
reservation schools;
2)
tribes have helped themselves dramatically through gambling
casinos.
3)
many older Natives still live on the Reservations but that the
younger ones have chosen to move to the cities.
4)
Life has greatly improved in the last fifty years, but more work
lies ahead for these resourceful people.
The series lacks authenticity and Native voice, and
will perpetuate a belittling stereotypical generic outlook on Native
achievements, accomplishments and people.
Marlette
Grant-Jackson – ITEPP-CRC
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