Books in Native American Life series

Sharply critical of the United States government's cruelty toward Native Americans, this monumental study describes the maltreatment of Indians as far back as the American Revolution. Focusing on the Delaware and the Cheyenne, the text goes on to document and deplore the sufferings of the Sioux, Nez Percé, Ponca, Winnebago, and Cherokee — in the process revealing a succession of broken treaties, the government's forced removal of tribes from choice lands, and other examples of inhuman treatment of the nation's 300,000 Indians. Stirring and eloquently stated, A Century of Dishonor was written in the hope of righting the wrongs inflicted upon this nation's first inhabitants. Within a year following its publication (1881), the book helped create the powerful Indian Rights Association. Decades later, author and critic Allen Nevins described the volume as "one of the soundest and most exhaustive works" ever written about Indian rights. Still a valuable reference, this book will be welcomed by students, historians, and others interested in the plight of Native Americans.

The life of the Indian boy — living close to nature, learning the ways of the wild animals, playing games and learning stories that developed the strength of body and spirit — has long been noted for its ability to develop character. In this book Charles Eastman ("Ohiyesa"), a full-blooded Sioux Indian raised as a young warrior in the 1870's and 80's, describes that life — the lessons he learned, games he played, and feelings about life that he developed as he worked to become a young Indian scout.Among the many areas of craft and lore described are the physical training of young boys, making friends with the wild animals, learning the language of footprints, hunting with slingshot and bow and arrow, trapping and fishing, making canoes, setting up camp, building wigwams and other shelters, making fire without matches and cooking without pots, blazing a trail, using Indian signals, gesture language and picture-writing, reading the signs of nature and storytelling, as well as information on winter and summer sports of the Indian boys, names and ceremonies of Indian boys and Indian girls, and the etiquette of the wigwam. Throughout, not only the practices but the reasons and feelings behind them are described. Twenty seven illustrations show many of the crafts and signs described.Scouts and others who enjoy camping and learning the lessons of outdoor life will find in this book not only new ideas but a feeling of life as it was lived by young Indian boys and girls nearly a century ago. In learning the lessons described in this book you will make new discoveries — about nature, about outdoor life, and about yourself.

The Blackfoot people make up an international confederation of tribes from both the United States and Canada. Readers discover the deep history and rich traditions of the four tribes of the Blackfoot Confederacy in this engaging volume. They see the journey these people once took across North America as they hunted migratory buffalo as well as their struggles with the American and Canadian governments. The lively culture of the Blackfoot people is also detailed, examining their religion, social structure, and artistic endeavors. Historical artwork and captivating photographs highlight both the past and present of the Blackfoot Confederacy.

Easy-to-read text and colorful illustrations and photos teach readers about Cahuilla history, traditions, and modern life. This book describes society and family structure, hunting and gathering methods, and ceremonies and rituals. Readers will learn about Cahuilla homes, clothing, and crafts such as pottery and baskets. A traditional myth is included, as are descriptions of famous Cahuilla leaders Chief Cabezon and Juan Antonio and American poet and novelist Helen Hunt Jackson. Wars, weapons, and contact with Europeans are discussed. Topics including European influence, assimilation, missionaries, the formation of reservations, and federal recognition are also addressed. In addition, modern Cahuilla culture and still-celebrated traditions including fiestas are introduced. Cahuilla homelands are illustrated with a detailed map of the United States. Bold glossary terms and an index accompany engaging text. This book is written and illustrated by Native Americans, providing authentic perspectives of the Cahuilla.