Speaking of Indians

While this book was written in the 1940's it is still a good book for those of us in the general public. I was privilidged to know Miss Deloria personally and to feel her deep love of her people and their language which she worked tirelessly to preserve. Read the introduction by her nephew, Vine Deloria, Jr. to get a fuller understanding of her life and work. She is one of the four women credited with having a huge influence on our view of "race, sex and gender in the Twentieth Century." Read about her in Charles King's book, "Gods of the Upper Air."

As I learned from relative Ella Deloria, the medicine of remembering came to mind. I must remember what she’s shared and share with others. Good words!

A straight-forward analysis of Indian culture and its encounter with reservation life. Without discounting the wrongs of the Government and avoiding a dead-end blaming, hopeful, concrete steps are suggested to use strong Indian values, particularly their strong spiritual outlook, to develop meaningful education programs. The American Indian can learn just as any other student. Churches can encourage Indian youth to develop his/her talents and urge the family to support youth who leave the reservation to pursue their education and not letting them give up and return home.Deloria explains the Indian male's loss of life goals once Indians were moved to the reservation. She also explains other challenges that Indians face and suggested ways of resolving.This is required reading for anyone planning to work on a reservation or working with Indians in our cities or towns.

I like that it is an understandable read. The author broke the information down to where anybody could read it, and comprehend the conveyance of their argument.

Deloria describes the problems and misunderstandings that have plagued the interactions between Native Americans and white Americans since the first colonies were founded. Her perspectve seems as incisive and relevant today as it must have when it was written more than seventy years ago.

I love the books that both Ella and her Brother Vine have written, I have nearly all the books they have written . Glad to add to my collection

Ella Deloria is a great writer. This is basically like the non-fiction version of Waterlily (which I highly recommend)

a gutsy, enlightening book when it was written. a fascinating book now for its historical perspective. highly recommended. read it!

Ella Deloria writes from the place where ancestors teach ancient wisdom. She was a brilliant light.