Not what I expected
While I have a passion for the ways of the ancestors and read this book with great interest, yet at the same time, I cannot help but to ask Kent Nerburn why he felt such editorial license to remove practically everything of substance from Charles Eastman's original 1911 treatise entitled "The Soul of an Indian". The most unfortunate part for me about this book is that in so doing, Mr. Nerburn has substituted his own interpretation for that of the original author and this has resulted in much that was of substance in the original 1911 treatise being removed and stripped.
In a day and age where our people need to hear the voices of those who were "there" and wanted to share their perspecives and teachings with future generations, who wanted to their wisdom with us, for me this was the only draw-back of this anthology but it was a significant one. I thought that I was purchasing the original words of a great Native American, Ohiyesa, but instead peered into a reflection pool: something that gives you the impression of truth but that quickly fades once the first ripple passes over the surface.
My recommendation for future editions is to include the full length text of "The Soul of an Indian". Anything less only contributes to the eradication of Native culture that has been perpetuated against the ways and teachings of our people.
The True Christians
Once again, we see how wise native americans were and how poorly we treated them. This is a great compilation of the best indian leaders and their great wisdom. I am embarassed by how we treated our natives.
Required Reading
I rarely review books but this one is an exception. This book should be required reading for all students. The speeches given by the Native American chiefs are as moving and eloquent as any I've read. They rival Lincoln, Kennedy, and King Jr in thought and phrasing. These are the words of "savages" as we called them. Reading this book I can only wonder who were the savages when you look at our history with the native peoples of this country. This is a book I'll read again and again.
Native Wisdom
I really liked this book, due to the fact I too am a native american indian. I shed tears to know how they were treated. It is a great book to read to learn about your past and present. Thank-you so much. Dianne
Wonderful book
This was one of the first books I purchased on Native Anerican, history, Philosophy, etc. I absolutely fell in love with it. A fast read and gives the totally green American what Native American philsophy and spirituality is all about in one small book. Though only delving into it briefly, as a non-native it gave me a better understanding of our first people. So much so I have since purchased many more books on the Native Americans, and their History and Lifestyle. The speeches in this book by Chiefs Joseph and Seattle are awesome and make you think. They definitely know where it is at, and are true survivors, especially the Navajo.
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