Books in Native American Heritage series

The Catawba―one of the few Native American communities who remained in the Carolinas after the notorious Trail of Tears―have a rich and fascinating history that can be dated to 2400 BC. Once the inhabitants of a large swath of land that covered parts of North and South Carolina, most Catawba now live on a reservation in York County, South Carolina. In Catawba Nation: Treasures in History, Thomas J. Blumer seeks to preserve and present the history of this resilient people.Blumer chronicles Catawba history from the first contact with Spanish explorers to their present-day fame as makers of traditional Catawba pottery. In this collection of writings, we learn of Hernando de Soto’s meeting with the Lady of Cofitachique, the leadership of Chief James Harris and the fame of potter Georgia Harris, who won the National Heritage Award for her art. Using an engaging mix of folklore, oral history and historical records, Blumer weaves an accessible history of the tribe, preserving their story of suffering and survival for future generations.

A tradition that dates back almost ten thousand years, basketry is an integral aspect of Cherokee culture. In the mountains of Western North Carolina, stunning baskets are still made from rivercane, white oak and honeysuckle and dyed with roots and bark. Cherokee Basketry describes the craft's forms, functions and methods and records the tradition's celebrated makers. This complex art, passed down from mothers to daughters, is a thread that bonds modern Native Americans to ancestors and traditional ways of life. Anna Fariello, associate professor at Western Carolina University, reveals that baskets hold much more than food and clothing. Woven with the stories of those who produce and use them, these masterpieces remain a powerful testament to creativity and imagination.

As a Mexican immigrant, Dr. Hector P. Garcia endured discrimination at every stage of his life. He attended segregated schools and was the only Mexican to graduate from the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, in 1940. Garcia's passion for helping others pushed him to advocate for equal rights. After serving in World War II, the doctor worked to help minorities achieve greater access to healthcare, voting rights and education. He started a private practice in Corpus Christi and in 1948 founded the American GI Forum. Cecilia Garcia Akers shares a daughter's perspective on her father's remarkable achievements and sacrifices as an activist and physician.

Informative, easy-to read text and oversized photographs draw in readers as they learn about the Iroquois. Traditional ways of life, including social structure, homes, food, art, clothing, and more are covered. A map highlights the tribes homeland, while fun facts and a timeline with photos help break up the text. Also discussed is contact with Europeans and American settlers, as well as how the people keep their culture alive today. The book closes with a quote from a tribe leader. Readers are left with a deeper understanding of the Iroquois people. Table of contents, glossary, and index included. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Big Buddy Books is an imprint of Abdo Publishing.

Red Cloud did something no other Native American leader was able to: He successfully led his people against the United States in order to keep their historical lands. While the Sioux were forced off their lands less than a decade after he signed a peace treaty with the United States, Red Cloud still stood up for his people with great bravery. Readers are introduced to Red Cloud and his great leadership and historical images complement both the biographical information and the historical context surrounding Red Clouds life. A new perspective on westward expansion allows readers to see an often overlooked cultural viewpoint.