As we continue the series on Learning native American Culture we are looking at Indians of the Northwest Coast, California and Great Basin.
In Teaching and Learning About Multicultural Literature, Janice Dressel states, “Teachers need to challenge students’ perceptions that roots of dominant-culture people are ‘American,’ but the roots of people from non-dominant cultures are ‘foreign.’ She goes on to say that “even white students see their roots as being in the United States, not Europe. This reinforces their perception of themselves as ‘American’ and non-dominant peoples as the ‘other’.” When it comes to Native Americans they are not the dominant society, but neither are they foreign. In this column I will introduce you to books, both fiction and non-fiction, about Native tribes of the Pacific Northwest, California, and the Great Basin. I encourage you to increase your patron’s knowledge of the First Americans as some refer to Native Americans. Let’s not reinforce the belief that whites are the first Americans.
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CHUMASH
The Chumash: Seafarers of the Pacific Coast. Gibson, Karen Bush. Capstone Press, 2004. 0736821791. Hardcover. Grades 3-9
In The Chumash: Seafarers of the Pacific Coast the reader will learn more about the Chumash people. Who they are and their history are included. Readers will also learn about the changes the Chumash have undergone and what their life is like today. Sidebars include a map and a timeline. The book closes with a glossary and a list of other resources. An index makes this a useful resource for the student researcher. Author Karen Gibson has written a well-researched book. The Chumash is part of the American Indian Nations series.
The Worry Stone . Dengler, Marianna. Gerig, Sibyl Graber. Rising Moon, 1996. 0873586425. Hardcover. unp. Grades Pre – 3.
In the note from the author, Mrs. Dengle writes, “the Chumash legend within this story is not authentic. I do hope…it is consistent with the spirit of the People.” The story opens with an older Amanda sitting on a park bench. An encounter with a lonely boy reminds her of her grandfather on the Spanish hacienda. Grandfather told her many stories. One was the story of a Chumash maiden whose tears became the worry stones. Amanda shares the story of the worry stone with the lonely boy. The story does not share much of the Chumash culture and as Mrs. Dengle stated, the legend is not a traditional one. Mrs. Gerig’s watercolor illustrations are very beautiful and realistic. The book is worthy of inclusion in your collection because it is a good story, not because of the Native culture included.
HAIDU
Frog Girl. Lewis, Paul Owen. Tricycle Press, 1997. 1582460485. Paperback. 32 p. Grades Pre- 1
Two boys capture all the frogs in the lake behind the village. The chief’s daughter sees them. She is then taken under the lake to speak with Grandmother Frog. Grandmother becomes upset when the daughter doesn’t know where her children (the frogs) are. The girl escapes to find her village deserted and the volcano rumbling. She finds the hidden frogs and releases them. The volcano stops and her people return. This original tale by Paul Lewis was written after research on the people and cultures of the Northwest Coast. His extensive notes at the end explain the cultural significance of parts of the story. Mr. Lewis’s colored artwork exhibits a Native style.
God’s Love is Like. Buckley, Ray. Abingdon Press, 1998. 0687056268. Hardcover. 32 p. Pre – 3.
“Keetah’s Special Day” is one of five stories in the book God’s Love is Like. The story talks about the storytelling masks of the Haidu people. Keetah’s grandmother re-tells the story of the Prodigal Son with the dancers holding the masks. Mr. Buckley has done a wonderful job of having a Native American tell a Bible story. The other stories are also Bible stories told from the perspective of different ethnic groups. The brightly colored drawings complement the text.
Storm Boy. Lewis, Paul Owen. Tricycle Press, 1995. 1582460574. Paperback. Grades Pre – 1.
A chief’s son is lost at sea. He ends up in a village not his own. He thinks he has only spent a day in that village, yet when he washed up on shore near his home he discovers he has been gone a year. The story reads like a myth, yet it is an original story by Paul Owen Lewis. The final pages contain author’s notes on how the parts of the story relate to Native culture. Mr. Lewis has used a Native style in his colorful artwork.
Totem Poles. Frantz, Jennifer. Eitzen, Allan. Grossett & Dunlap (Penguin Putnam), 2001. 0448424762. Hardcover. 48 p. Grades 1-3.
Totem Poles opens with the setting up of a totem pole and the potlatch that follows. The book continues with a history of totem poles, how they were made and the stories they tell. Author Jennifer Frantz has written an excellent non-fiction book for early elementary students. Allan Eitzen’s colored picture show students the details of the text that are beyond their knowledge. Totem poles, the carvings of the totem pole, and a potlatch are among the things portrayed that most readers will have no prior knowledge of.
MAIDU
Home to Medicine Mountain. Santiago, Chiori. Lowry, Judith. Children’s Book Press, 1998. 0892391553. Hardcover, 32 p. Grades Pre – 3.
Home to Medicine Mountain was inspired by the adventures of Mrs. Lowry’s uncle and father. The two attended a boarding school many miles from their home in the 1930’s. The school did not pay for trips home during the summers so the boys ride the rails to get home. Ms. Santiago has written a delightful story that shows young children what schooling for Native Americans involved seventy years ago. Ms. Lowry’s colorful illustrations will help children visualize unfamiliar scenes. Home to Medicine Mountain is an American Library Association Notable Book.
MODOC
The Last Stronghold: A Story of the Modoc Indian War. Luger, Harriett. The Shoe-String Press, Inc., 1995. 0208024034. Paperback. Grades 6 & up.
In the late 1800’s the United States government moved many Native Americans onto reservations and gave their land to settlers. The Natives in many cases fought against the settlers and the army was sent in. The Last Stronghold is the story of three young men involved in the Modoc War. Yankel is a Russian Jew who left home to escape being forced to serve in the Czar’s army for sixteen years. He ends up in the United States in the army. Ned is a settler boy whose best friend was killed in a Modoc raid. Charka is a Modoc boy. The story is told from the three different perspectives. Much cultural information about the Modoc is included. The book moves slowly at times so I’d recommend this book to a more experienced reader or one who has interest in the Modoc people. Ms. Luger did extensive research for this book.
MONO
Weaving a California Tradition: Native American Basketmaker. Yamane, Linda. Aguilar, Dugan. Lerner Publications, 1997. 0822526603. Hardcover. 48 p. Grades 3-5.
Carly is an eleven-year-old member of the Western Mono tribe in California. She is growing up in a family that comes from a long line of basketweavers. In Weaving a California Tradition, readers will learn about the traditional way of weaving a Mono basket and learn more about the Mono tribe in the process. Readers will also find out more about the different types of Mono baskets and why they take so long to make. (A basket weaver only makes one or two baskets a year.) The photographs show the area where Carly lives, where and how her family collects the basket materials, and the process of making the baskets.
SHOSHONI
Jenny of the Tetons. Gregory, Kristiana. Harcourt, 2002. 0152167706. Paperback. 140 p. Grades 5-7.
Carrie Hill is part of a wagon train. She is wounded, her parents killed, and her brothers kidnapped in an Indian attack. An English trapper, Beaver Dick Leigh, takes her home to help Jenny, his Shoshone wife. Carrie slowly becomes a member of the family and learns to accept her father’s view that all people are worthy of respect regardless of their race or religion. There are at least ten incidents of language some may deem inappropriate. There is also one reference to lovemaking that, while tastefully done, may not be appropriate for the intended audience. Author Kristiana Gregory based this fictional work on the actual diary of Beaver Dick Leigh. Jenny of the Tetons is a Golden Kite Award winner.
The Legend of Jimmy Spoon. Gregory, Kristiana. Harcourt, 2002. 0152167765. Paperback. Grades 5-7.
Jimmy is not happy with his life in the Mormon settlement. He is the only boy in the family of 10 children. His father is a shopkeeper who wants his only son to follow in his footsteps. Jimmy wants adventure, so when two Shoshoni boys offer him a pong in exchange for “visiting” the chief’s mother two “hours” away, he considers the possibility. When he is angry with his father, he goes with the boys. He soon learns the journey is much longer than two hours and he is meant to become the chief’s mother’s son. After a rough start, Jimmy learns to live like a Shoshoni and is eventually accepted into the tribe by most members. After three winters, the tribe learns that his father will soon be making war on the Shoshoni if he is not returned home. In order to keep peace, Jimmy voluntarily returns to his family. It was not uncommon for Native Americans to take children from other tribes or white families to replace children who had died. Ms. Gregory has written this fictional story inspired by the diary of Elijah Nicholas Wilson. She has included many details of Shoshoni life in the 1800’s.
Moho Wat. Thomasma, Ken. Brouwer, Jack. Baker Book House, 1994. 0801089190. Paperback. Grades 5-8.
Moho Wat is the sixth book in Ken Thomasma’s “Amazing Indian Children” series. Moho Wat is a member of the Sheepeater band of Shoshoni Indians. Much tragedy occurs in the life of this nine-year-old Indian boy. His older brother is killed before the story begins. He loses his hand in a mountain lion attack. Wind Flower, a girl he met at the summer gathering, is kidnapped by an enemy tribe. The Sheepeater warriors do nothing so one-handed Moho Wat decides on his own to rescue Wind Flower. Some of the book is a bit unbelievable – a family of three living alone, only seeing other Sheepeater people at the time of the summer gathering. The book is written for late pre-teens but with a nine-year-old hero it will appeal more to ages 8-10. The author used direct statement rather than subtle hints to let the reader what is coming, which older readers won’t necessarily appreciate. Jack Brouwer’s sketches illustrate various scenes in the story. While the book may not necessarily appeal to its intended audience, it would be a good read-aloud for younger students. I t does contain many details of how the Sheepeater people lived.
Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran. Thomasma, Kenneth. Hundley, Eunice. Baker Book House, 1991. 0801088682. Paperback. 175 p. Grades 4-6.
Eleven-year-old Naya Nuki and her best friend Sacajawea were captured by an enemy tribe while their tribe was on the way to summer hunting grounds. Sacajawea readily accepts her fate but Naya Nuki memorizes their route from the first day with the plan of escaping and returning to her people. When they arrive at the enemy village 1000 miles away, Naya Nuki sets herself up as a model captive doing everything she is told and more. Eventually she is no longer watched closely. She steals a buffalo hide and food, hides them and waits for her chance to escape. Meanwhile Sacajawea is sold to the white man. Naya Nuki exhibits the courage and ability to survive of her Shoshoni people on her month-long, thousand-mile trek back home. Kenneth Thomasma based the book Naya Nuki on Captain Lewis’ account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s visit to a Shoshoni village. Sacajawea recognized one of the villagers as her friend who had been captured with her four years earlier. Eunice Hundley’s sketches illustrate various scenes in the story.
SUQUAMISH
Daughter of Suqua. Hamm, Diane Johnston. Albert Whitman and Co., 1997. 0807514772. Hardcover. 156 p. Grades 5-7.
Ida is a young Suquamish girl living on the reservation in the early 1900’s. Treaties have been made with the government that the People didn’t fully understand. When they agreed to move to a new allotment so that the government could build a fort, they didn’t think it would happen. Now they have to move to their allotment. When the treaty guaranteed education for their children, they didn’t realize that if their allotment was too far from the school, their children would be sent to boarding school. Dian Hamm did extensive research for the book. She shows the feelings of Ida and the community in a way that the reader will share the feelings. Daughter of Suqua gives the reader a window into the culture and history of the Suqua people.
TLINGIT
Children of the Tlingit. Staub, Frank. Carolrhoda Books, 1999. 1575053330. Hardcover. 48 p. Grades 3-5.
Children of the Tlingit is part of The World’s Children series. Author and photographer Frank Staub introduces the reader to the Tlingit people by showing different Tlingit children in their surroundings. The book explores the Tlingit history, culture, and religion through the lives of young tribal members. Children are also shown in activities that are helping to retain the Tlingit culture. A pronunciation guide and index increase the book’s usefulness as a resource book for students researchers.
A Story to Tell: Traditions of a Tlingit Community. Nichols, Richard. Kraus, D. Bambi. Lerner Publications, 1998. 0822526611. Hardcover. 48 p. Grades 3-7.
Grandmother Fran has a story to tell her granddaughter Marissa. A Story to Tell is that story. Grandmother Fran tells Marissa the story of the Tlingit people. Many aspects of Tlingit life are included in the story: their history, their culture, the clan structure, the influence of the whites. Marissa is the niece of the photographer. Ms. Kraus’ beautiful photos compliment the text. Author Richard Nichols has written a wonderful story of a grandmother passing on the tribal story to her granddaughter in the way elders in native tribes have passed on the stories for centuries. A Story to Tell is part of the We Are Still Here series.
The Wave of the Sea-Wolf. Wisniewski, David. Clarion Books, 1994. 0395968925. Paperback. unp. Grades Pre – 3.
Princess Kchokeen falls into a hollow trunk and cannot get out. While waiting for her brothers to rescue her, she sees Gonakadet, the Sea Wolf, who makes great waves in the bay. Thereafter Kchokeen is able to foretell the giant waves, a gift which helps keep the village fishermen safe. When foreigners come demanding more furs than the villagers have, Kchokeen consulted with the Sea Wolf which resulted in a giant wave which sunk the foreigner’s vessel and would have covered the war canoe of the villagers except that it landed in a tree. David Wisniewski has illustrated his text with beautiful cut paper artwork.
YANA
Wakara of Eagle Lodge series. Shands, Linda I. Revel Books, Paperback. Grades 6-9.
Wild Fire. 2001. 0800757467. 168 p. – The first book in the series starts six months after the death of Wakara’s mother. Fifteen-year-old Wakara is now responsible for her mom’s chores including the care of her younger brother Ryan. Her family owns a wilderness resort which means a lot of work for the family. This summer Dad has hired Colin, a ranch hand, and Anne, a Native American housekeeper to help run the resort. Anne helps Wakara learn about her Native American heritage and her heritage as a child of God. The family is threatened by a wild fire. The family slowly recovers from the loss of their mother. Author Linda Shands has not included much Native American culture in Wild Fire.
Blind Fury. 2001. 0800757475. 172 p. – In the second book, Wakara’s best friend Tia is researching Wakara’s ancestors. Information about the Yana people is shared as Tia discovers it in her research. Wakara has her share of excitement whether it is getting her younger brother out of trouble or looking for her dad in a snowstorm. Wakara learns to think about how her actions affect others.
White Water. 2001. 0800757726. 165 p. – In book three, Wakara learns more of her Native American ancestry from her Grandpa who is visiting from Ireland. A rogue bear threatens the family when they visit Eagle Lodge. Colin makes a bad decision during a white-water rafting trip which endangers Ryan’s life. Wakara has to learn to forgive Colin for his mistake.
The series Wakara of Eagle Lodge is enjoyable. Pre-teen girls will especially enjoy the books. Christian faith is evident and a small amount of Native American culture and history is included.
GENERAL (Tribe not specified)
Dreambirds. Ogden, David. Bergsma, Jody. Illumination Arts, 1997. 0935699090. Hardcover. 32 p. PreK – 2.
David Ogden has written a tale about Natsama, a young Native American whose grandmother told him about dreambirds. Natsama decides to work on skills that wil allow him to catch a dreambird someday. Mr. Ogden’s tale contains spiritual elements of Native culture. Unfortunately, the reader is not informed of which Native culture. Jody Bergsma’s illustrations have a Native American feel to them.
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
The Chumash: Seafarers of the Pacific Coast — Make Acorn Pancakes — recipe included in the book
Jenny of the Tetons and The Legend of Jimmy Spoon — The books were written based on diaries or other primary documents. Guide your students in writing a short story based on information in an old diary or other primary source document.
Weaving a California Tradition: Native American Basketmaker — After reading the book, discuss ways in which Carly is the same as the students in your class.
Traditional Native American Arts and Activities. Braman, Arlette. Helin, Bill. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000. 0471359920. Paperback. 120 p. Grades K-6
Arlette Braman includes a chapter of activities from The Great Basin, the Plateau, and the California tribes. Another chapter covers the natives of the Northwest Coast. One easy to make and play game is the Chumash Ring-and-stick game. A more involved project would be the Tlinglit Button Blanket. All directions for projects are included in the book. In all nineteen projects are included, taken from different native groups across the United States.
INTERNET CONNECTIONS
MAIDU — www.maidu.com — This web site of the Konkow Valley Band of Maidu has information on the Maidu Culture and History.
SUQUAMISH — www.suquamish.nsn.us — Here you will find information about the culture of the Suquamish people and about Chief Seattle.
Resources available from Amazon (Affiliate Links)
Teaching and Learning About Multicultural Literature: Students Reading Outside Their Culture in a Middle School Classroom
The Chumash: Seafarers of the Pacific Coast (American Indian Nations)
The Worry Stone
Frog Girl (Rise and Shine)
God’s Love Is Like…
Storm Boy
Totem Poles GB (All Aboard Reading)
Home to Medicine Mountain
The Last Stronghold A Story of the Modoc Indian War
Weaving a California Tradition: A Native American Basketmaker (We Are Still Here)
Jenny of the Tetons (Great Episodes)
The Legend of Jimmy Spoon
Moho Wat: Sheepeater Boy Attempts a Rescue (Amazing Indian Children)
Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran (Amazing Indian Children Series)
Daughter of Suqua
Children of the Tlingit (World’s Children)
A Story to Tell: Traditions of a Tlingit Community (We Are Still Here)
The Wave of the Sea-Wolf
Blind Fury (Wakara of Eagle Lodge)
White Water (Wakara of Eagle Lodge Book 3)
Wild Fire (Wakara of Eagle Lodge)
Dreambirds
Traditional Native American Arts and Activities (Celebrating our Heritage)
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