Native Directions

“The Earth says, God has placed me here. The Earth says that God tells me to take care of the Indians on this earth; the Earth says to the Indians that stop on the Earth, feed them right. . . . God says feed the Indians upon the earth.” —Cayuse Chief Young Chief, Walla Walla Council of 1855 America has always been Indian land. Historically and culturally, Native Americans have had a strong appreciation for the land and what it offers. After continually struggling to hold on to their land and losing millions of acres, Native Americans still have a strong and ongoing relationship to their homelands. The land holds spiritual value and offers a way of life through fishing, farming, and hunting. It remains essential—not only for subsistence but also for cultural continuity—that Native Americans regain rights to land they were promised. Beth Rose Middleton examines new and innovative ideas concerning Native land conservancies, providing advice on land trusts, collaborations, and conservation groups. Increasingly, tribes are working to protect their access to culturally important lands by collaborating with Native and non- Native conservation movements. By using private conservation partnerships to reacquire lost land, tribes can ensure the health and sustainability of vital natural resources. In particular, tribal governments are using conservation easements and land trusts to reclaim rights to lost acreage. Through the use of these and other private conservation tools, tribes are able to protect or in some cases buy back the land that was never sold but rather was taken from them. Trust in the Land sets into motion a new wave of ideas concerning land conservation. This informative book will appeal to Native and non-Native individuals and organizations interested in protecting the land as well as environmentalists and government agencies.

Additional keywords : Indians, Aboriginal peoples, Native peoples, First Nations.

This lavishly illustrated art history situates the work of pioneering mid-twentieth-century Native American artists within the broader canon of American modernism.

Literature and educational books about Native Americans frequently present stereotypical images or depict the people as they existed hundreds of years ago. Seeking to dispel misrepresentations, this book examines Native American culture as it exists today as well as its historical background. Reproducible activities, biographies of real people, and accurate background information help educators present a realistic and diverse picture of Native Americans in the twentieth century. With each lesson, the authors include a suggested grade level, materials list, objectives, readings, activities, enrichment extensions, and a list of resources for further study. Chapters cover ground rules, homes and environment, growing up and growing old, a day in the life, communications, arts, economics, and socio-political struggles. Appendixes contain oral history guidelines, global information sources, lists of Native media, and related Web sites.

Today as in the past there are many cultural and commercial representations of American Indians that, thoughtlessly or otherwise, negatively shape the images of indigenous people. JolivZtte and his co-authors challenge and contest these images, demonstrating how Native representation and identity are at the heart of Native politics and Native activism. In portrayals of a Native Barbie Doll or a racist mascot, disrespect of Native women, misconceptions of mixed race identities, or the commodification of all things 'Indian', the authors reveal how the very existence of Native people continues to be challenged, with harmful repercussions in social and legal policy, not just in popular culture. The authors re-articulate Native history, religion, identity, and oral and literary traditions in ways that allow the true identity and persona of the Native person to be recognized and respected. It is a project that is fundamental to ethnic revitalization and the recognition of indigenous rights in North America. This book is a provocative and essential introduction for students and Native and non-Native people who wish to understand the images and realities of American Indian lifeways in American society.

Kindling the Native Spirit reveals secrets to enhance your connection to the mysterious forces around you. It’s a mystic map that guides the way for you to follow in the footsteps of the wise ones who have gone before you. And in a deeper way, it ignites the majestic native soul that dwells within you, which in turn reestablishes your relationship to the sacred whole. Denise Linn, a member of the Cherokee Nation, has gleaned wisdom from tribal traditions around the world, including the Zulu in Africa, the Maori in New Zealand, the Aborigines of Australia, and various Native American tribes in North America, along with other indigenous cultures. In this groundbreaking book, she shares specific methods to open gateways to mystical encounters and the knowledge that enables you to activate ancient healing practices in your present-day life. You’ll learn how to discover your true name, determine your animal ally, embark on sacred spirit journeys, and experience vision quests. In addition, there are step-by-step instructions on how to make a rattle, dream catcher, spirit stick, prayer feather, and your own medicine bag. Denise also shares little-known methods to shape-shift; tap into your ability to "call" animals, plants, and Spirit; invite the power of the guardians of the four directions; gain protection from your ancestors; spend time with the "little people"; utilize the power of "earthing" to bring wholeness . . . and much more. Ignite your native spirit within, and enter a wondrous realm of profound visionary experiences!