Do you or someone you know have a background in Native American religion?

Question

I am interested in verifying some religious stories in a book that was published in 1963. I think the author has died by now. They cover a huge range of tribes in North and South America and Polynesia, including the Navajo, Mescallero Apaches, Oraibi, and Dakotah. Or if you know of some good websites that would be helpful as well.

Answer 1

The previous answer is excellent. Do not accept any "native" bits and pieces from new age sites - they often "mix and match" religions to get what they want - and are true to no set of beliefs held by native peoples.

When looking at a book, I often tell my students that books are only good to help you formulate the questions that you want to ask of your Elders. The Author and the Authors perspective MUST be taken into account when trying to ascertain the veracity of any given account or story. Each author brings his or her culture, biases and precognitions to their work, understanding WHO and author is, is as critical as WHAT they are saying. The book mentioned above, by Dee Brown is a prime example. Many of my relatives (the people about whom she speaks) believe that her book has done more harm than good. There IS fact in it, but separating it from the fiction and from the cultural biases is difficult, and nearly impossible sometimes.


Remember: Books inform, People teach.

If you would like any help with the Dakota portions of your research, I would be Happy to help as I am able to. I am reasonably well-versed in the Siouxian religions and lifestyles. Remember, though, that these religions are constantly shifting, changing and evolving. What is true now, may not have been true then, and what was true then, may no longer be accurate. I would certainly give you my opinion.

Wolakota.

Answer 2

I'll only say this... From someone who is still connected to their culture I have always heard "burn the books." Most of them out there should be taken with a HUGE grain of salt... Especially one that is so general that it covers so many...

As far as I know, of lot of their "religion" stuff is more personal and many would probably not be willing to just pass it out like that, so it is unlikely to be a correct interpretation. Sorry.

(P.S. Stay away from those new ages sites and things...just a suggestion..)

Answer 3

In the course of study of native religions of the world I've found that they come from the same source. Their Messenger was a universal (earth) Messenger whose establisher traveled the world teaching. There are lots of different names for this Establisher. For instance he is known as Quetzalcoatl, Kukulkan, Viricocha, Lost White Brother, Massau and many more. What is the title of your book?

Answer 4

Good question. I am actually taking an anthropology class in that subject. Take a look at this site. It gives some good information on the Hopi people. http://www.crystalinks.com/hopi1.html

Answer 5

sundance
red road
black elk

several different tribes had different shamans and not only that, many stories were never published, since the native way is oral tradition.

Answer 6

search for the native nation stories, my grandmother on my fathers side was a pure blooded indian woman who lived her life in pursuit of the great spirit.

Answer 7

Yes, I do and I know of several others as well. Please add the title of the book you are refereing to or email me. I would be happy to help if possible.

Answer 8

here is a story i was taught by my father who was taught by his

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-vIrCcio5bqg3z6LbkVrvKmi2Pg--?cq=1&p=230#comments