Vine Deloria Jr. walks on
POSTED BY Colorado AIM In Honor of Vine Deloria, Jr. (1933-2005) The great indigenous visionary, philosopher, author and activist Vine Deloria, Jr. passed over to join his ancestors on November 13, 2005.
Native American Authors
Native American literature has grown in popularity and recognition in recent years. Writers such as Louis Erdrich, Sherman Alexie, and Leslie Marmon Silko paved the way for a new generation of Aboriginal writers. They use their storytelling prowess to confront these challenges head-on, initiating critical conversations and advocating for change.
Through their narratives, Native American authors raise awareness about the struggles faced by Indigenous communities and call for a more inclusive and equitable society.
Connecting ancestral traditions with contemporary experiences, Native American writers offer a unique perspective on American history and identity.
Their work spans a wide range of genres, including history, fiction, poetry, essays and memoirs.
Exploring cultural identity and heritage
Native American writers heighten their claims to cultural identity and heritage through references to ethnic traditions, and intimate connections between Native Americans and broader American life, as revealed by writers such as N. Scott Momaday, Joy Harjo, and Tommy Orange.
They offer a clarity in evocative language and powerful symbolism that celebrates their heritage and commands a greater sense of resilience.
In addition to exploring cultural identity, Native American writers often address important social issues. Native American literature has grown exponentially in popularity and recognition in recent years.
The impactful works of Native American authors have inspired a new generation of Indigenous writers to share their own stories. Through diverse voices and perspectives, emerging authors like Terese Marie Mailhot, Tommy Pico, and Stephen Graham Jones are making their mark on the literary landscape.
With themes ranging from personal journeys to the reclamation of Native languages, these authors are contributing to the ongoing legacy of American literature and enriching the literary world with their unique voices.
As the literary landscape evolves, it is crucial to recognize and support these authors, encouraging the growth of Native American literature and fostering a more inclusive literary canon that honors the depth and complexity of Indigenous cultures.
Read MoreVine Deloria Jr. walks on
Ella Carla Deloria (Anpetu Wastewin), Yankton Sioux (1888-1971)
Ella Deloria, also known as Anpetu Wastewin, from anpetu "day," waste "good," win "woman," was a Yankton Sioux scholar, interpreter, and lecturer who became a nationally famous linguist and ethnologist. She was born January 3, 1888 at Wakpala, South Dakota, the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Philip Deloria (Tipi Sapa). Her father was an influential Episcopal clergyman who was well known throughout the Plains Indian community in his own right.
Karen Louise Erdrich, Chippewa (1954-?)
Louise Erdrich is known for her moving and often humorous portrayals of Chippewa life in North Dakota in poetry and prose. In her verse and in novels such as Love Medicine, Tracks, The Bingo Palace, and The Beet Queen, she draws on her years in North Dakota and on her German and Chippewa heritage to portray the great endurance of women and Native Americans in twentieth-century America. She has won an array of awards and substantial recognition for her novels, as well as for her short stories, poetry, and essays.
Oh Redman – Native American Poetry
Oh Redman To My Beloved People and All Native Americans Oh Redman tall and proud, watch him take his stand. To protect his humble people, and their mighty sacred land.
In a time long ago – Native American Poem
In a time long ago I dreamed a dream of long ago, when you and I were young, and meant to be. When with our tribe we wandered, far and wide and spoke the tongue, of the cherokee.
Native American Roots, Once Hidden Now embraced
AUTHOR: Aunita Tyler The only story I have is of a little girl who has big brown eyes, light brown hair, and has always known she was Cherokee Indian and Norwegian.