A Review and Comments on Indian Histories
Karl E. Cilmont
Nee Hemish: A History of Jemez Pueblo. By Joe Sando. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico, 1983. 258 pp. $19.95 Cloth.
Noon Neemepoo. By Allen P. Slickpo, Sr. and Deward E. Walker, Jr. Lawi-ID: Nez Perce Tribe, 1973.
Our Home Forever: A Hupa Tribal History. By Bryan Nelson, Jr. and Others. Hoopa, CA: Hupa Tribe, 1978. 224 pp. Cloth.
Walker River Paiutes: A Tribal History. By Edward C. Johnson. Walker River, NY: Walker River Paiute Tribe, 1978.201 pp. $9.50 Cloth.
The Southern Utes: A Tribal History. By James Jefferson, Robert W. Delaney and Gregory C. Thompson. Ignacio, CO: Southern Ute Tribe, 1972. 106 pp. Cloth.
Ogaxpa. By Joy Reed. Quapaw, OK: Quapaw Tribe, 1977. 119 pp. Paper.
In the annals of North American history, there is a dearth of records for tribal histories. Since the multitude of original peoples on this continent left no written records, unlike the European settlers with diaries and letters, there is scant historical evidence to show who came when and from where. Hence, the only extant evidence is that which has been uncovered in various archaeological sites and petroglyphic inscriptions at scattered locations.
Recent social and legal changes in the last half century have spurred more tribes to produce a written record, possibly as a gesture for recognition among most tribes, however, this need for "recognition" is deemed an Anglo societal concept.