Describes the Grand Entry ceremony that marks the beginning of a pow-wow. Traces the evolution of the ceremony, highlighting elements derived from the Wild West. Argues that although the ceremony was not an original part of pow-wows, it reflects longstanding cultural values, such as respect for elders and honor to veterans. (AJL)

Discusses the role of cattle ranching in maintaining the resilience of western Native American tribes in the face of many ill-advised federal policies. Describes the historical impetus for Native American cattle ranching and its current economic viability, suggesting that ranching provides a traditional means for Native Americans to achieve…

Examines the growing number of Christian churches working to overcome prior oppressive relationships and support rather than destroy Native American notions of spirituality. Indicates that some churches accept and encourage Native spiritual practices regardless of their relation to Christian doctrines, while others integrate traditional beliefs…

Reviews efforts by American Indian tribes during the previous 50 years to reacquire lands within reservation boundaries from non-Indian ownership. Describes efforts of the Rosebud Sioux, Muckleshoot, Umatilla, Navajo, Quinault, and Blackfeet tribes, as well as the Indian Land Working Group, an intertribal group promoting the exchange of…

Provides an interview with David Risling, Jr., a Native American educator who helped establish the American Indian Higher Education Consortium and now is acting president of D-Q University. Highlights Risling's reflections on the status of Indian spirituality and connections to indigenous groups in New Zealand and Latin America. (MAB)

Examines different approaches to environmental activism taken by Native Americans and Westerners as a result of their differing views of nature. Describes historical Western-Indian conflicts related to the preservation of bison in Yellowstone Park. Suggests that there is a growing acknowledgment in the scientific community of traditional…

Offers pointers to assist Native Americans in researching their family history based upon the author's experience as the Reference Librarian at Montana's Salish Kootenai College. Discusses the use of government records and publications, local tribal history collections, obituaries of tribal members, and local chapters of family history or…

Presents a review of stories about and historical portrayals of Pocahontas, the Native American who saved John Smith in Colonial America. Indicates that prescripted roles for women and Native Americans have been variously applied to her. Argues that for all the interpretations, there is a dearth of works by Native Americans on the subject. (10…

Describes the experiences of Albert White Hat, a Lakota language instructor at Sinte Gleska University, and Rita Means, chair of the university's board of regents, in their return to traditional beliefs. Describes the impact of the return on their lives and highlights elements of Lakota culture that have guided both educators. (MAB)

Describes the role of oral history in the traditions of Native Americans. Argues that although Western scholars have traditionally dismissed oral history as legend or myth, it is now gaining respect in higher education. Reviews efforts at incorporating oral history into the curriculum and discusses issues related to accuracy. (MAB)

Describes the author's oral history research about Lakota Indians, which included such sources as the Oglala Lakota College Archives, oral family history, and the National Museum of Natural History. Describes the types of sources available to researchers and provides an oral history of the Battle of Little Bighorn. (MAB)

Provides the author's reflections on Native American history and the story of Pocahontas, who in the Colonial United States saved John Smith from being beheaded and adopted European ways. Highlights problems with the historical record, including the lack of information on and perspectives from Native Americans in history books. (MAB)

Discusses the negative effects on Native American agriculture in the Upper Missouri River Valley from such federal projects as the Garrison Dam. Describes the Assistance, Counseling, and Training Project and cattle relending program at Fort Berthold Community College, indicating that they provide ranchers with a fully-funded education and help…

Describes the historical and present-day agricultural practices of Native Americans and the common misconception that Indians were primarily nomadic. Highlights recent efforts in reservation schools to teach traditional Indian agricultural methods. Indicates that with the tribal colleges' land grant status came a new impetus to explore the…

Includes the following essays on American Indian history: "Imagining Indians in Selma," by Jennifer Gray Reddish; "A Journey Inwards and Backwards," by Lily Boyce; "The Chief's Journey into the Spiritland to Bring Back His Wife," a Winnebago myth retold by David Smith; and "Battle or Massacre?" by Harold Sorkness. (MAB)