Understanding Native American Indian literature requires that scholars and teachers respect the cultural matrix within which the literature is written. The "ceremonial motion" of time--or "Indian time"--is a critical concept in Native American texts. When the dominant culture's time construct, linear or chronological time,…

This publication contains 17 poems that portray experiences of the Native American poet. American Indian images and symbols are combined in these poems: (1) "Grace"; (2) "Bowl With Splatter-Painted Hand"; (3) "Turtle"; (4) "Poem for a Newborn Niece"; (5) "Willowemoc"; (6) "The Vision-Hunter Dies in the Rain"; (7) "At the Top of the Fire Tower in…

This article presents the legend of Laidamlulu (Morning Star), noting how she received her name and duty. (RTS)

Describes the emergence of Native American writers and the problems they face with their achievement. Apendixes list publishers of native American poetry and contemporary poets. (CRH)

This is a tale of Two Fall Together, the name of a stretch of foamy water in the Mohawk River where a young man and Angry Spirit struggled and the Mohawks eventually lived in peace. (Author/RTS)

Considers how misrepresentations of Indian culture can be addressed through the study of Native American oral traditions and literatures. Details the use of literature circles and storytelling in the classroom to combat negative stereotypes and racism. Discusses ways of weaving interpretive threads, examining misconceptions, reading and writing…

In Native American culture, medicine stories are used to teach important lessons that have healing effects on the listener. Following is an excerpt from "The Wounded Bear", a modern day medicine story. The story offers a blueprint for healing the heartbreak and violence in our communities. (Author)

In Leslie Marmon Silko's novel "Ceremony", Rocky appears as Tayo's childhood friend and "brother" and also as a major part of Tayo's prisoner-of-war experiences in the Pacific during World War II. The interpretation of the novel presents both Rocky and Tayo as two men destroyed by the war, the former physically and the latter spiritually.

In this tribute to LaVonne Ruoff, the author describes Ruoff as the "Eleanor Roosevelt of Native American Literature," noting her enormous amount of committee and administrative work done to ensure that the infant American Indian studies discipline was saved and would thrive. In addition to Ruoff's own literary works in the field, she furthered…

Intended to promote the preservation of the Hopi language, two illustrated children's books present traditional Hopi tales in bilingual format. Based on a story told by Herschel Talashoema, "Coyote & Little Turtle" tells how Little Turtle tricked Coyote into carrying him from the hot sand that burned his feet to Little Turtle's home in a spring.…

This book contains the traditional tales and beliefs of the Chippewa, Dogrib, Slavey, and Loucheux peoples. These histories and traditions were spoken to a priest named Emile Petitot (1838-1916) who wrote the words down in the Dene language. This edition was translated from the French and compared with versions in the original tongues by the…

Native American literary works have often been ignored by serious critics or examined by social scientists in ways that rob them of their effectiveness as works of art. The emphasis of postmodern theory on the creative power of language, on narrative discourse, and on signs and semiotics allows an original and perceptive approach to Native…

Describes how the linguistic and cultural diversity among Native Americans is reflected in their literature, and provides a bibliography of and about Native American literature. (DD)

Describes the fusion of cultural inheritance and imaginative innovation in the literary works of Native American authors and urges scholars not to view such works solely from an ethnographic perspective. (DD)

Describes ways to promote literacy and appreciation for heritage by celebrating the literacy contributions of authors of color, such as Heritage Readings and African American Read-Ins. Offers suggestions of favorite selections by Hispanic, African American, Native American, and Asian American authors. (SR)