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The Life of Black Elk, 2002.
A look into the life of Black Elk (1863-1950) - a Native American religious leader of the Oglala Lakota band of the Sioux tribe.
1,878 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
By examining the life of Black Elk, this paper provides a brief historical tour of the life of a typical Native American being confronted with the advancing white pioneers attempting to move Westward. It explores the events of various battles that took place between the pioneers and the Native Americans and the involvement that Black Elk had in each of these. It focuses specifically on the saga of the Sioux tribe.
From the Paper
"According to the Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia (2002), Black Elk (1863-1950) was a Native American religious leader of the Oglala Lakota band of the Sioux tribe. Black Elk, who at the age of 17 had a vision of the Lakota people rising up and freeing their lands from the white settlers, tried to find ways of reconciling his people's traditions with Christianity and the encroaching reality of white dominance. This vision was a famous one among the Sioux in which the Powers of the World told Black Elk of a "fearful road, a road of troubles and of war. On this road you shall walk, and from it you shall have the power to destroy a people's foes" (Neihardt, p. 29). Reality, unfortunately, would prove to be quite different. The whites were eventually successful in obliterating the Native Americans' way of life and subjugating the peoples."
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Literature on Native American History, 2002.
An analysis and comparison on two works relating to Native American history.
2,456 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and compares "The Treaty of Canandaigua 1794: 200 Years of Treaty Relations between the Iroquois Confederacy and the United States" by G. Peter Jemison and Anna M. Schein and James Wilson's "The Earth Shall Weep: A History of Native America". The paper shows that "The Treaty of Canandaigua" provides an in-depth analysis of the treaty and its effects on both the Native American and European population of the United States, while "The Earth Shall Weep" encompasses the lives and history of many diverse Native American tribes, over almost their entire known history.
From the Paper
"Interestingly, James Wilson is not a Native American, and yet he writes The Earth Shall Weep as if he were. Wilson's analysis is clearly written outside of the Eurocentric, Christian view that has dominated the world stage for so long. As such, Wilson's review of Native American history is fresh and inviting. He manages to create a somewhat balanced overview of the indigenous North American population, while never idealizing or demonizing their culture. As such, Wilson's somewhat detached viewpoint works wonders in this lengthy (480 page) work by creating a book that is both instructive and balanced.
This balance is especially refreshing give the tendency of many books on native American culture to be written either from a dry, academic standpoint, or from a somewhat naive and idealistic viewpoint of indigenous North American culture. Wilson's book gives a useful review of Native American history without falling prey to the either extreme of analysis. As such, the book is engaging and readable, without being overbearing or exclusionist in its point of view."
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Literature of the Southwest, 2002.
A look at four works of literature which represent the spirit of Southwestern America.
2,118 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
Southwestern American literature forms a distinct genre with a sharp flavor that includes land, geography, attitudes and people. Four novels, Tony Hillerman's "Dance Hall of the Dead", Edward Abbey's "Fire on the Mountain", Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses", and Rudolfo Anaya's "Bless Me, Ultima" are disscussed in this paper to present a partial menu of this exceptionally pungent mix.
From the Paper
"Within the harsh realities of llanero life, Anayo shows us the spirit of the Chicano people who inhabit this bleak land. He gives us what Paul Beekman Taylor calls the wings of survival: "the spirit's soar to salvation (where) flight merges quests for art with the soul's inclination toward its source; that is, worldly with spiritual aspirations" (Taylor unpaged). Antonio's spirit is one with the spirit of the llano: "The summer came and burned me brown with its energy, and the llano and the river filled me with their beauty" (Anaya 76). His soul immerses itself in the mystery of Ultima's magic, in order, in the words of Taylor, to achieve "flight from chains of church, national identity, and parental ties" (unpaged), to learn to be himself and survive in this land."
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Tecumseh, 2002.
A biography of the life of the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh through the accounts of two different historians.
1,083 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, born in an Indian village near Dayton, Ohio, in March 1768 and one of the most successful known Indian leaders. It compares how the two main authorities on him, John Sugden and David Edmunds, convey Tecumseh, his life as well as his accomplishments. It discusses how Sugden and Edmunds exhibit extremely divergent writing styles and approaches to their topics, and how both give clear and compelling accounts of the man Tecumseh and his motivations. He was a great man and it is no wonder so many authors have attempted to tell his story.
From the Paper
"Edmunds' story is also well written and compelling, and like Sugden, he gives personal glimpses into the man, made possible by his research and understanding of his topic. Both men place thoughts and actions in the character's heads, and thought they could not have known what these historic people were really thinking, they had a very good idea through their immersion in their topic, they both understand the motivations and beliefs of the historic characters in the story, because of their intensive study of their subjects. "
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Native American Imagery, 2002.
An exploration of the creation of Native American imagery by nineteenth century artists, Edward Sheriff Curtis and George Catlin.
2,181 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 15 sources, APA, $ 68.95
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Abstract
The "American" public has always had an interest in the lives of Native Americans. During the early 1800, this curiosity blossomed in a fascination. The paper shows that unfortunately, most Americans were content to relegate all Native Americans into this caricature of the "noble savage", dehumanizing them, and few settlers sought to understand the culture of the Natives whose land they were occupying. Fortunately two nineteenth century artists, Edward Sheriff Curtis and George Catlin did not share the same view. This paper discusses how these men dedicated their lives to the study and preservation of Native American tribal culture for posterity by creating imagery based on the Native American people. Although their methodology, content, and style were dissimilar, (Curtis used the camera and Catlin worked with oil paint), their goal was the same, to capture and record the essence of America's indigenous people through art.
From the Paper
"Countless numbers around the globe have benefited from the information gathered during the 1800's by Edward S. Curtis and George Catlin.
Without these records many of the customs and heritage that we know of as "Native American" might be lost today.
It is easy to be critical of Catlin's paintings when judging it against the realism of Curtis' photographs, but the goals of the two men were the same. The sincerity, accuracy, and honesty of the collections that were compiled by the ethnographists transcend their work from the category of mere art to the palate of life."
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Native American Art Review, 2002.
This paper analyzes the art review of a Native American art exhibit at the American Craft Museum.
982 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses "Changing Hands", an art review of a major Native American art exhibit at the American Craft Museum by critic David Revere McFadden. It opens with an overview of the exhibit itself and its highlights. The review, and the critic's 'authority' to report on the exhibit are then discussed. Finally, there is a commentary of the effect the critic's piece has upon one's desire to view the exhibit.
From the Paper
"Changing Hands, the exhibit features several art forms of Native America. The artists who have displayed their work have given examples of both traditional and more contemporary pieces - for example a reconstructed earthenware vessel of the type that might have been used centuries ago for water or other liquids. The several art forms shown by the Changing Hands exhibit include wool rug and vegetable dye; gold bracelet work inlaid with larimar, lapis lazuli,sugulited, shell, coral, obsidian and opal; earthenware sculpture; an acrylic collage on wood; glass and copper vase; cottonwood root sculpture; leather beltwork of silver, coral, turquoise, and serpentine; coral necklace with gold and pearls; pendants of gold, wood, silver, coral, turquoise, opal, shell, and lapis lazuli; earthenware canteens and jugs; hinged silver buckles; earthenware tiles of sand, copper, and oil on a wooden panel; sand media on wood."
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"Dance Hall of the Dead", 2002.
A review of Tony Hillerman's book "Dance Hall of the Dead" with an emphasis on Zuni and Navajo spiritual practices.
3,380 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper examines Tony Hillerman's book "Dance Hall of the Dead"about a Navajo policeman who investigates the murder of a young Zuni. It discusses how no one, outside an initiated practitioner in a Native American religion can really comprehend the true significance of its beliefs and rituals and how Hillerman in this novel makes an excellent beginning in differentiating between spiritual beliefs of Zuni and Navajo. It shows how the Zuni religion can be seen to be extensively different from the religion of the Navajo's in the two tribes' rituals, burial practices and beliefs in an afterlife. It uses outside sources to confirm and expand on the understanding of these varied spiritual practices.
From the Paper
"For the Navajo, spirituality permeates all areas of life and is rooted in nature. Daily life proceeds upon Mother Earth and under Father Sky. There is no word for religion in the Navajo language, not because there is no religion, but because religion is not separate from life. There is nothing but religion, otherwise known as life among the Dineh, or the People. Rituals, prayers, legends and songs, are scarcely ever out of their minds. The Navajo create sand paintings and hold sings such as the Enemy Way, the Blessing Way, the Flint Way and the Mountain Top Way to cure illness and to help them surmount the problems of life on earth (Waters 248-249). From the Navajo point of view, as Frank Waters puts it, "religion is the way of life" (Waters 396)."
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Cherokee History: The Trail of Tears, 2002.
This paper discusses the background, detail and the aftermath of the foreceful eviction of the Cherokee tribe from its ancestoral lands in 1838, an event known as the "Trail of Tears."
2,075 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper introduces the Cherokee - one of the largest tribes of Native Americans in the United States. It shows how their survival is a tribute to their remarkable resistance since in the harsh winter of 1838 and 1839, the entire Cherokee tribe was threatened with extinction during an event that is known as "The Trail of Tears." The paper examines one of the darkest moments in American history, when the Federal troops under the orders of the United States government forcibly evicted the entire Cherokee tribe from their ancestral lands in Georgia to Oklahoma during a cruel 1000 mile forced journey. Out of a total of 16,000 Cherokee people, over 4000 men, women, and children died of hunger, disease, and exposure to the elements on the trail. The paper discusses how "The Trail of Tears" symbolizes the callousness with which the United States government treated the Native Americans due to greed and prejudice inherent in human nature. It covers the background, events and aftermath of the "Trail of Tears."
From the Paper
"The Cherokee tribe bravely suffered their ordeal on the Trail of Tears setting to work in their new home. They built homes, schools and churches. They set up a government and named their capital "Tahlequah" that is still the cultural center of the Cherokees and the source of documented evidence of their history. The Indians were on the way of recovery from their ordeal when another devastating event intervened: The American Civil War. The Cherokees aligned themselves with the Confederacy since the South had promised that when the war was over they would be permitted to form their own state. After having supported the British during the American War of Independence, the Cherokee had again chosen the wrong side. So when the North won the Civil War, the Indians, were duly penalized. Most of their lands guaranteed by previous treaties were taken from them and their sad plight continued."
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The Sioux, 2002.
A look at the history of the Native American Sioux tribe and its position in American society and culture today.
3,104 words (approx. 12.4 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper traces the fascinating history of the third largest Native American tribe in America, the Sioux. It shows the way the Sioux have fared socially, culturally and economically as a tribe living among a white majority in the United States. he paper also examines the book, "Land of the Spotted Eagle", by Luther Standing Bear in which he offers an analysis of his people, the Lakota Sioux, including their relations with the white government. Finally, the paper examines the means in which the Sioux, as well as other Native American tribes, are struggling to maintain their cultural identity in America today.
From the Paper
"Various Native American groups have been pressing for greater respect through legal and other efforts to remove Native American symbols and names from schools, sports teams, and even geographical features. The issue was raised recently with reference to the University of North Dakota, whose mascot and team are known as the Fighting Sioux (Brownstein 46). The issue is not always clear-cut. One term that has been given much attention recently is "squaw," a word once used by white settlers to refer to Indian wives and that is found on hundreds of place names in the country, from rivers to valleys to mountain peaks to town names. An example is Squaw Peak, a familiar Phoenix landmark targeted for change by Native American groups. They claim that the word "squaw" is derogatory to tribal members and all other women, pointing out that the word is derived from an Indian word for female genitalia."
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George Caitlin Stories, 2002.
Comparing two books telling the story of George Caitlin, an American writer and painter, in two completely different ways -"Paintbrush & Peacepipe: The Story of George Catlin", by Anne Rockwell and "George Catlin and the Old Frontier", by Harold McCracken
2,795 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that even though the two books tell the same life story of Caitlin, each one differs most significantly in tone and style according to the vastly different audiences to which each is directed. Rockwell's book was intended for children - less pages and more illustration, whereas McCracken's book presents itself as a very authoritive piece on Caitlin's life in an artbook format.
From the Paper
"The first book, Paintbrush and Peacepipe, 86 small pages in length, with 8 brief chapters and 15 illustrations, is written for children. By comparison, the second book, George Catlin and the Old Frontier, with its 209 oversized pages might seem a vastly superior presentation of George Catlin's biography. The artbook format of McCracken's work, with its 36 color and 118 black and white illustrations, is far more authoritative and detailed in its representation of the scope of Catlin's art. Yet, Paintbrush & Peacepipe, in it's minimalist manner is a highly educational and effective piece of work."
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Joaquin Murieta, 2002.
An analysis of the book "The Life and Adventures of Joaquin Murieta, the Celebrated California Bandit," by John Rollin Ridge.
1,779 words (approx. 7.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 57.95
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Abstract
A discussion and analysis of "The Life and Adventures of Joanquin Murieta, the Celebrated California Bandit", written by Native American Cherokee, John Rollin Ridge, in 1854. The paper discusses the uniqueness of the novel, not only because it was the first book published by a Native American author, but also because it provides a clear picture of what life was like for the "foreigners" during the California Gold Rush. The paper analyzes the book which tells the story of a Mexican-American, Joaquin Murieta, who turns to crime and banditry after being treated badly by the local Californian community.
From the Paper
"Stylistically, the book is certainly full of flowery and romantic language, which was the common writing style at the time. Ridge paints a vivid portrait of Murieta, and life at the time in the gold fields of California. It was a violent time. It was a time when the oppressed needed heroes and Joaquin fit the bill perfectly. While Ridge's account can never be called a true history, it is certainly filled with the day-to-day life in the mining camps at the time. If Joaquin Murieta ever existed, he certainly existed in the mind of John Rollin Ridge, whose novel brought him vividly to life. While the novel may have its problems, it is an interesting look at California's past, and a worthwhile read for anyone interested in learning more about folklore, and how it gets started."
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Humans and Nature, 2002.
Showing how humans interact with nature by examing three stories.
600 words (approx. 2.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 21.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces, discuss and analyzes three stories, Native American trickster tales "Coyote, Skunk and the Prairie Dogs," and "Owlwoman and Coyote" and "Walden," by Henry David Thoreau. Specifically it looks at the depiction of the interactions of humans and nature, their similarities and differences, and what relevance the depictions have for Americans today.
From the Paper
"His time there was serene, and he said, "Both place and time were changed, and I dwelt nearer to those parts of the universe and to those eras in history which had most attracted me. Where I lived was as far off as many a region viewed nightly by astronomers. We are wont to imagine rare and delectable places in some remote and more celestial corner of the system, behind the constellation of Cassiopeia's Chair, far from noise and disturbance. I discovered that my house actually had its site in such a withdrawn, but forever new and unprofaned, part of the universe" (Thoreau 79). He spent his time listening to the natural sounds, gazing on their wonders, and thinking about the lifestyle that allowed him such peace and pleasure, literally living as one with nature."
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The Native American Religious System, 2002.
An insight into the Native American religious system. The paper discusses six bases of religion and shows how religion has influenced the people and societies who support it.
1,220 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
Since the beginning of time religion has played an important part in people's lives. How people worship can be as varied as the lands they live in. The Native American Indians are a group that have many beliefs and rituals. This paper discusses how their religion is based on spirits and the belief of a higher power and that the ceremonies they perform can range from ones concerning harvest and giving thanks to Ghost Dances and Death rituals.
From the Paper
"The Indians believe in Spirits and the supernatural. The Hopi Indians describe Spirits as a being that "may have greater than human powers (Geertz)." They feel these powers can be evil or be able to accomplished great things. They believe kachinas are powerful because they can make it rain. A kachina is a powerful supernatural being, or one who possesses the being during a religious ceremony. The Hopi also believe that there are those who are invisible and help them with knowledge. They consider these spirits to have superhuman strength. Some such spirits which perform many feats in their tales are the Old Spider Woman and her grandsons, and the Sun god. The Hopi ask each being to help them in their lives using their own special gifts (Geertz)."
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Leslie Silko's "Ceremony", 2002.
This paper examines the struggle of the American Indian to fit into a society that does not accept strangers.
955 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses several of the themes presented in Leslie Silk's novel, "Ceremony." This paper looks at the main character, Tayo's journey to self-acceptance of his roots through a journey he takes through the world of the white man and its many vices. The paper uses different examples from the story that follow the journey through to its conclusion. These include Tayo's contact with the white doctor, his feelings of invisibility and his search for spirituality. The paper continues this theme through Tayo's use of alcohol and how it serves as a symbol for both his thirst of learning about his culture and his continued abuse by the white man. It is through this journey that Tayo eventually returns to the medicine man and eventually inner peace and acceptance.
From the Paper
"Tayo insists that he is invisible in the onset of the novel. He cannot speak because an invisible man has no tongue. The white doctor forces Tayo to feel. The doctor's voice lures Tao into the doctor's sense of reality. Tayo feels that he is part of the fog and "like brittle red clay, slipping away with the wind, a little more each day" (Silko, 27). Consequently, Tayo felt hallow internally. He didn't fit in mentally and wished to ease his internal pain by physically escaping into nothingness. Tao's desire for non-existence is symbolic in the novel's theme of self-discovery."
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"Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee", 2002.
An analysis of the historical writing of Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee".
580 words (approx. 2.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 20.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the historical genocide and displacement of the Native Americans through Dee Brown's book "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". It traces the history of the Dakotas and Sioux Tribe during and after the conquest of the West by the American military.
From the Paper
"Dee Brown's "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" is a fully documented account of the genocide and displacement by the United States government and military of an entire race of people, human beings, natives of the land that spanned from sea to shining sea. This unthinkable inhumane act was done in the name of Manifest Destiny, a name Congress gave to this movement. Brown documents battles and defeats of the Navaho, Nez Perces, Cheyenne, Apache, Utes, the Sioux and other tribes against a relentless and dishonorable government."
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Religion and Belief in "Reservation Blues", 2002.
An analysis of the book "Reservation Blues" by Sherman Alexie, New York: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1995.
1,270 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce and discuss the book "Reservation Blues," by Sherman Alexie. Specifically, it looks at the musical poem at the beginning of the chapter "My God Has Dark Skin," and how it relates to the beliefs and religion of the characters throughout the book.
From the Paper
"These words tell the story of how the Native American's had to give up their beliefs, and their religion for the white man's religion, in the name of "modernity" and "Christianity." The numerous Native American tribes each had a complex religious system, made up of folk tales, and a wide variety of gods and goddesses. Yet, when the white men came and took over the Indian lands, they tried to convert them to the "true" religion of Christianity, while they gave up their old ways and beliefs."
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The Creation Story of the Apache, 2002.
This paper discusses the importance of the creation story in the lives of the Chiricahua Apache.
2,875 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the history and folklore behind the creation story of the Chiricahua Apache. The creation story is presented to the reader, and is referenced throughout the paper. The history of the Apache is discussed, including where and how they lived, their connection to the land and how the creation story would influence their day-to-day decisions. According to this paper, their religion was central to all aspects of their lives, their behavior and means of survival. Their interaction with the white population, whether violent, or friendly, can all be traced back to their belief in their own creation story.
From the Paper
"By the beginning of the 17th century the Chiricahua Apache had achieved, from what can be determined from the archaeological record, a relatively settled way of life. They grew corn as well as other crops such as beans - although there were certainly still semi-nomadic groups. Their joint dependence on agriculture and nomadic food collection and herding may have been due to the sporadic nature of rainfall in the Southwest. Nomadicism is a rational response during a year in which there is not enough rainfall."
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"House Made of Dawn", 2002.
A discussion on the book "House Made of Dawn" by N. Scott Momaday, a story about a Native American man that could never fit into the white man's world, and did not feel a connection with the Native American world any more.
1,010 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 35.95
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Abstract
The following paper discusses the themes of dawn and dusk in "House Made of Dawn" focusing on their symbolic and metaphorical meanings of new beginnings and endings. The paper briefly discusses the story, which tells of the differences between the races, and how difficult it is for Native Americans to fit into either world.
From the Paper
"We learn throughout the novel that he never could fit into the white man's world, but he does not feel a connection with the Native American world any more. He is going through his own personal "hell" of not belonging anywhere. We see his life in Los Angeles, after he finishes serving his time in prison for murdering the albino. We can see immediately this is not the place for him. He cannot find his place. He returns home only when he is beaten so badly, he almost dies. The story uses the imagery of New Mexico to paint pictures of the old ways, and even romanticize them. Dusk and dawn are important elements in the painting of pictures."
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Exterminate Them, 2002.
This paper presents a carefully prepared analysis of the book "Exterminate Them: Written Accounts of the Murder, Rape and Enslavement of Native Americans during the California Gold Rush", by Clifford E. Trafzer and Joel R. Hyer.
540 words (approx. 2.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 19.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper uses this book to identify and analyze the book's subject matter, which is the treatment of Native Americans in California, from the time the white men arrived, until the state was firmly taken over by them. The paper also discusses the author's main aim which is to link the subject of torture and genocide when it comes to Native Americans. The final aspect that is addressed is whether or not the writer of this paper believed the author was successful in his attempt to convey his points.
From the Paper
"Throughout American history, students are taught about the Native American plight. Many times, people believe that the way it is presented is a sugar coated version of the real events. In "Exterminate Them: Written Accounts of the Murder, Rape and Enslavement of Native Americans during the California Gold Rush, By Clifford E. Trafzer and Joel R. Hyer, the reader gets a targeted realistic overview of what the author believes was a straight genocide approach in an attempt to rid the state of California of the Native Americans who were here long before white man entered the nation".
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