Indian orators have been saying good-bye for more than three hundred years. John Eliot's "Dying Speeches of Several Indians" (1685), as David Murray notes, inaugurates a long textual history in which "Indians... are most useful dying," or, as in a number of speeches, bidding the world farewell as they embrace an undesired but…

Compares the careers of the Zuni We'wha (c. 1849-1896) and the Navajo Hastiin Klah (1867-1937). Both were religious leaders, accomplished craftsmen and artists, envoys to the White world, anthropological informants, adapters of traditional crafts for commercial markets, and berdaches--the third gender bridging men's and women's roles. Contains 71…

Early campaigns for pan-Indian unity were led by Ottawa warrior Pontiac and Delaware prophet Neolin (1760-65), and by Shawnee warrior Tecumseh and prophet Tenskwatawa (1805-13). Contrary to earlier interpretations, these leaders did not represent secular/sacred dichotomies in the movements but were all considered holy warriors. (SV)

Examines Native American "prophet religions" of the past century in terms of the similarities between prophets and traditional shamans. Discusses the "death vision" common to religious prophets and the prophet's function as a healing shaman to his entire culture. Contains 21 references. (SV)

Discusses the general unfamiliarity of American Indian prophets, religions, and spiritual beliefs and attributes that lack of knowledge to the difficulty scholars have had in examining the social and cultural systems of Indians. Sums up the role and the importance of religious movements and prophets in American Indian history. (JHZ)

Chronicles the life of Josiah Francis, renowned Creek Prophet and leader. Describes his rise to power in the War of 1812 and his subsequent history as ardent advocate of war against the White man. Characterizes him as a charismatic and intelligent, if sometimes foolish, leader. (JHZ)

Examines the life of Gertrude Bonnin (Zitkala-Sa), Sioux activist, educator, orator, and lobbyist. Describes her early insistence on a "white" education, her association with Carlisle Indian School and Carlos Montezuma, and her advocacy of American Indian education and self-determination, peyote suppression, and the BIA's abolition.…

Tecumseh's tour of 1811-1812 was a remarkable effort involving 3,000 miles and contacts with 8-12 of the present American Indian tribes. Tecumseh's success owed much to standing grievances of the Indians and the disposition of the British, but depended also upon timely occurrences such as Harrison's engagement on the Tippecanoe. (JHZ)

Chronicles the life Kenekuk, characterizing him as a man of accommodation who urged his followers to live in peace with the Whites while maintaining their identity as Indians. Describes his syncretic religion based on evangelical Protestantism, Catholic ritualism, and traditional Kickapoo ceremonialism. (JHZ)