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Velma Wallis' "Two Old Women", 2008.
Reviews Velma Wallis' book "Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival".
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Velma Wallis' book "Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival" tells a story based on a legend among the Athabascan Indians of the upper Yukon river area in Alaska. The author relates that, according to the customs of the tribe, the elderly are left behind during difficult times for the tribe so that the others may live. In the story, two old women are left to die; however, they prove that they can survive. The paper stresses that Wallis believes people possess hidden gifts that they do not develop until they need to.
From the Paper
"The mantra for the two women becomes, "Let us die trying." Whether they succeed or not, then, they will have demonstrated their personal power and their refusal to sit down and die without a fight. They begin by taking inventory of their skills and by considering skills, they had in their youth but may not have used for many years. They see the need to revive these old skills now that they need them to survive. The women are left alone but not with nothing, for they still have their possessions and so can make use of what tools they own."
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Vulnerable Populations, 2008.
This paper explores the health vulnerabilities of the Native-American population in the United States.
1,696 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how Native Americans statistically have a significantly higher risk of acquiring certain diseases as well as a higher risk of developing alcoholism and, therefore, an increased risk of creating fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in offspring. The paper then explores programs that could address the issues surrounding the problem of alcoholism and FAS. The paper also highlights the important role of the public health nurse.
From the Paper
"Though the Native American population in the United States constitutes only about 1% of the total population, the population has significant vulnerabilities as a group, all of which contribute to a need to better serve the population, especially in health care. (Shumway & Jackson, 1995, p.185) The Native American population in the United States suffers from statistically significant health problems that are often compounded by their disenfranchisement. The historical pattern of Native American health issues demonstrates that an evolution has taken place with regard to the problems they face, in the initial eras of conquest the effects of contagious diseases brought by exposure to Europeans was the problem."
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Confronting Racism in the American Southwest, 2008.
A discussion on racism in the southwest of America.
1,342 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the indigenous peoples of the American southwest who have suffered various forms of racial discrimination since 1519. The author illustrates how historical materials have tried to tell this history in a substantially more even-handed and objective way.
From the Paper
"One of the better sources of this material is a historical novel. Graciela Limon is a novelist of Mexican-American descent, who in Song of the Hummingbird, tells the story of the conquest of Nahua, as the indigenous peoples called Mexico. Her vehicle for doing this is the final "confession" of an aged woman living in a convent in Mexico in 1583. The woman uses the nominal form of a confession to a young priest to tell the story of her life, set against the trauma of the Spanish conquest. Appropriately, the priest, Father Benito Lara, is new to Mexico, and brings with him an understanding of the conquest and of the indigenous peoples based on Spanish propaganda."
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The Quest for California, 2008.
This paper explores the experiences of the Spanish and Mexican governments in their attempts to colonize California.
1,696 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
The paper reveals that although the periods of the Spanish occupation and Mexican colonization of California have been romanticized by many historians, in actuality there was a brutal struggle between the native Indians and the Spanish and Mexican peoples. The paper describes the efforts of both Spain and Mexico to colonize California and influence their culture. The paper shows how the Indians held to their convictions and heritage even under the threat of abuse and torture.
From the Paper
"The Spanish expanded their empire into California in 1769, over two hundred years after their first exploration of the California coast. The Spaniards brought with them their European culture which included Catholic missions, presidios (forts protecting the missions), and small towns known as "pueblos". (UCLA Extension Seminar). "The culture of the Spanish was markedly different" from the natives, which resulted in major conflict during Spain's attempt at the colonization of California (Chan & Olin 74). Tensions ensued, and in 1808, the Mexican revolt began against Spanish rule and finally ended in 1821 with Mexican independence. "Mexico...was even less able than Spain..." to handle the colonization of California and live peacefully with the natives (Bean & Rawls)."
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Who is the Captive in 'Captivity'?, 2008.
This paper discusses who is the captive in Sherman Alexie's world, focusing on his work "Captivity'.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines "Captivity," a stream-of-consciousness piece by Sherman Alexie. The writer points out that this work explores Alexie's reaction as a Native-American who grew up on a reservation, amid squalor, alcoholism, poverty, and hopelessness, to one of the classic narratives of a brave white woman enduring the grim experience of being held captive by Native-Americans. The writer discusses that Sherman Alexie, in touch with his tribal past and all of the imagery that it entails, also steps out to do his own dancing, the prolific author of novels, stories, poetry and pieces such as "Captivity," as well as the director of the movie versions of his books.
From the Paper
"In "Captivity," Mary Rowlandson is a recurring image: the white, especially the white girl, alone on the reservation. One version of Mary Rowlandson is the daughter of a white reservation worker. Stepping into her first classroom filled with young tribal members, she carries with her a "memory" distilled from the captivity her namesake endured three centuries earlier, at a time when the Wampanoags might well have thought that they had a chance to clear their traditional lands of the grasping colonists. Terrified, the modern Mary Rowlandson flees the school, envisioning each boy as her would-be captor."
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The Native American Mascot Controversy, 2008.
This paper explores the debate surrounding Native-American mascots in American schools.
906 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
The paper argues that, while there are legitimate reasons for permitting schools to continue with Native-American mascots, there are more compelling reasons for not allowing the practice to continue. The paper explains that native mascots as they are utilized today in many American schools perpetuate stereotypes that hurt Native-Americans and cast native culture in a negative light. The paper concludes that a smart maneuver would be to keep the mascots, but to cut down on the stereotyping that make native mascots in America so offensive.
From the Paper
"In the clamor to remove Indian mascots from school sporting activities, the arguments in favor of the practice have often been drowned out. Be that as it may, there are credible reasons why Native American mascots are not as destructive or as vile as some might believe. For one thing, supporters argue that, while pernicious and anachronistic images need to go and fast, mascots that emphasize the valor, courage, "warrior spirit" and resourcefulness of Native peoples should remain. Simply put, it is objectionable and a glaring example of excess for the critics of Indian mascots to seek the denunciation and elimination of all of them when some may actually present Native culture in a noble and admirable light ("Some Indian Mascots OK," 2006; King and Springwood, 2001)."
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Leslie Marmon Silko's "Ceremony", 2008.
This paper reviews the novel "Ceremony" by Leslie Marmon Silko.
1,154 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at how Silko brings out the conflict between traditionalism and modernity in Native-American life in her novel "Ceremony". The paper discusses how the central character, Tayo, rediscovers his heritage in a moment of crisis and learns how that heritage was taken away by the white culture that still dominates his people. The paper highlights the theme of discovery of the past and its relevance to the present.
From the Paper
"Silko's young American Indian Tayo has faced a personal crisis as a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II, and his search for his roots on the reservation is a desperate need for an anchor for his life, something to hold after the horrors of war. The continuation of the way white society views Native American society is seen in the admonition by the Army doctor for "no Indian medicine" (p. 34). Tayo looks to the stories and ceremonies of his ancestors for comfort and finds resentment and anger as well as he remembers what the white settlers did to his people: "He lay there and hated them. Not for what they wanted to do with him, but for what they did to the earth with their machines, and to the animals with their packs of dogs and their guns. It happened again and again, and the people had to watch, unable to save or to protect any of the things that were so important to them. . . He wanted to kick the soft white bodies into the Atlantic Ocean; he wanted to scream to all of them that they were trespassers and thieves" (pp. 203-204)."
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Child Welfare among the Pacific Northwest Indians, 2008.
A discussion of how understanding the child-rearing practices of the Pacific Northwest Indians and Alaskan Native Indians is important in providing the best welfare service to their children.
1,590 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses cultural competence within the context of the Pacific Northwest Indians and the Alaskan Native American. The paper describes family and community approaches to child welfare practice and also looks at social and (to a lesser extent) racial constructs in these societies. Finally, the paper at various times touches upon the lessons that a careful study of Pacific Northwest culture can offer to a child welfare agent eager to do the right thing.
From the Paper
"About the Coeur d'Alene tribe somewhat less is known but it is known that kinship was bilaterally based and that the same terms were used to address a cousin from the mother's side of the family as from the father's side of the family (Frey, n.d.). Whether or not this sort of practice is still in place is hard to determine (the evidence is scant) but, to the extent that any members of the Coeur d'Alene still cling to the "old ways", it is advisable that child welfare representatives respect the fact that Coeur d'Alene families are extended and close-knit and that a child's well-being is everyone's concern."
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The Chumash: Seafarers of Southern California, 2007.
A study of the Chumash, a seafaring Native American tribe of Southern California and their possible connection with ancient Polynesian seafarers.
1,760 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Native American tribe of Southern California, the Chumash, one of the few New World peoples who regularly navigated the ocean. The paper points out that they built plank canoes, unlike most other North American native tribes whose canoes were of an unsophisticated hollowed-out tree trunk design. Only Polynesian seafarers from the distant South Pacific were thought to use similar plank boats to explore and colonize the various islands of the Pacific over a thousand or more years ago. The paper draws a possible connection between the two peoples according to both linguistic and archaeological evidence. From a purely linguistic standpoint, the Chumash word for plank canoe, "tomolo", may be derived from the Polynesian word "tumu-raa'au", referring to the wooden plank boats used by Polynesian explorers. The paper concludes that these findings regarding the Chumash wood plank canoe may open the door to seeing Native American culture in a whole new light, and even call into question old orthodoxies about migration patterns.
From the Paper
"Due to the vast size of the area that eventually became known as California, there were at one time or another dozens of small Native American tribes who inhabited the region, differing widely in language, culture and lifestyle, due to the great variety of environmental conditions they found themselves in (desert, mountain, seacoast, etc.) The Chumash are a Native American tribe who historically made their home along the southern coastal regions of California, stretching roughly from the vicinity of what is now Santa Barbara in the north down to Ventura in the south, but (to a lesser degree) even extending as far south as what is now Malibu ("Chumash.") They also lived on the three largest of the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel. The Channel Islands, located about 20 miles off the coast near present day Santa Barbara, are the largest offshore islands on the West Coast of North America ("Channel Islands.") This offshore presence was unique to the Chumash among California Indian tribes and will have a central place in the subsequent examination of their seafaring abilities and possible trans-Pacific origins."
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The Navajo Nation, 2008.
A review of the book "Navajo" by James F. Downs.
1,356 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper describes how the book "Navajo" by James F. Downs offers a history of the Navajo nation and considers many aspects of the Navajo culture and social order. The paper relates that the book gives much attention to the society the Navajo had when the first Europeans arrived in North America and to the complexities of the Navajo civilization. The paper discusses how Downs notes the forces that have brought change even as Navajo culture itself persists in some communities. The paper concludes that this book is a good introduction to the Navajo people and their traditions.
From the Paper
"Downs first considers the development of the Navajo as a separate entity, beginning however with the original Nadene people from Siberia from which all the rest of the Native American population would spring. What is known of the Nadene people shows that they probably brought "the hard-soled moccasin and the strong, complex bow" (Downs 6). These people divided over time into various groups from Alaska down the coast into the rest of North America. One such groups was the Athapaskans, hunters rather than gatherers, and they entered the Southwest, formed different groups with different languages and styles of life, and interacted in some way with the Pueblo people of the Southwest, in time becoming known by a new name, the Apache. Around the start of the seventeenth century, the Apaches were a wild, hunting people, while the Navajo Apaches were the "apaches of the big fields" (Downs 10)."
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Language and Culture, 2008.
This paper compares two articles on the cultural significance of language; "Decolonizing the Mind" by N'gugi wa Thiong'o and the "Intellectual Savage" by Jamake Highwater.
1,088 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper examines two articles, "Decolonizing the Mind" by N'gugi wa Thiong'o and the "Intellectual Savage" by Jamake Highwater. The paper explains how the articles discuss how language becomes the means through which a cultural reality is transmitted, thus controlling language is one means by which colonial usurpers can control self-imagery and self-awareness. The paper is of the opinion that both articles do a commendable job of highlighting the inter-relationship between language and culture.
From the Paper
"In her article, "Decolonizing the Mind," N'gugi wa Thiong'o writes about her childhood speaking Gikuyu in her native Africa. In particular, she devotes time to recollecting how, as a small child, she listened to tales about how the weak hare could outwit the beasts of prey - the lion, the leopard, and the hyena - and stay alive in a hostile world. Not to be overlooked, she comments at length upon the different types of human beings who emerged in anthropocentric tales and how some were cruel, selfish and opposed to all that might foster a stronger community, and how others were kind, giving and individualistic; in assessing the narrative, it is evident that Ngugi wa Thiong'o is comparing the beasts of prey with colonizers eager to take over her native land. More than that, those stories impressed upon her the power of language - its cadence, rhythm, inflection, its suggestive power - and how language could bind a community together. Later though, this harmony would be broken when Englishmen took over the school system and made it a serious penalty for any child to be speaking the native Gikuyu language instead of the alien, oppressive English of the colonizers."
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History of Coffeeville, 2008.
This paper looks at the history of Coffeeville in Mississippi.
1,569 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the history of the region surrounding Coffeeville, Mississippi in the north central portion of the state is long and varied. The writer points out that though the region has what some might consider an ideal climate, European settlement of the region was quite slow, and the Native American tribes that were already established there--such as the Choctaw and the Chickasaw--remained unmolested well into the 18th century. The writer discusses that subsequent treaties and elimination of these tribes from the region hastened the formation of Mississippi as a state and the incorporation of Coffeeville as an important urban center in the development of Mississippi.
From the Paper
"But the early growth and development of the Coffeeville region would be truncated by the beginning of the Civil War, which had disastrous results for the separatist Confederacy. Union armies ultimately marched through the South and destroyed much of the railroad infrastructure that had been built. Nonetheless, there were some victories for the Confederacy in the region. The Battle of Coffeeville, an ambush of Grant's forces, was a decisive turning point in the advance of Grant's forces through the South, dramatically altering Grant's plans to advance on Vicksburg and had a major impact on the outcome of the Civil War. All of these major historical developments--from native inhabitants to early settlement to the Civil War--have had a significant effect on the character of Coffeeville, Mississippi and its surrounding environs."
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