Custer Died For Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto

 by Vine Deloria, Jr.

Avon Books, 1969

takes a hard, critical look at Native American life from a Native American perspective. Although less than 300 pages, this declaration of enigmatic government involvement (Treaty’s, Contracts, etc.) is a must for anyone interested in the sociological aspect of Native American history. Written at the height of civil unrest in the United States, Deloria, a former employee with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, gives us a unique, thought-provoking study of American-Indian relations through the centuries. The content is certainly an eye-opener bringing to the fore reasons for us to look critically at ourselves and Connecticut’s current events.
Suggested reading level: High School and beyond.

Reviewed by Judith Sitkin in February 2001

Death Comes To The Archbishop

by Willa Cather, c1927 Alfred Knopf, Vintage Books Edition, 1971

Willa Cather is often described as a “pioneer writer.” This book tells the story of the influx of Christian missionaries in the American Southwest from the European point of view. The influence of Christianity on Native American groups is an ongoing subject. Part of what unfolds is the disparity between the Native concept of religion and community versus the Christian “Civilized” concept of the same. The book is not about Native American life, rather, about how Europeans found it necessary to re-create Europe wherever they lived and their need to instill Christianity and displace existing religious beliefs – in the name of “civilization.”  This is a passionate story that reminds us how important it is to build good, honest bonds amongst our neighbors, friends, and relatives.
Suggested reading level: grades 5 through post-graduate studies.

Reviewed by Judith Sitkin in February 2001

First Encounter: The Indians and The White Man in Connecticut

by Chandler Whipple, 1972, The Berkshire Traveller Press, Stockbridge, MA.

A quick and illuminating read. We are introduced to Connecticut and New England Native American history dating from 17th century, pre-European immigration to mid-twentieth century Connecticut (pre-Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun).  This is an excellent, basic history book that provides an overview of cultural, religious and community life of the Connecticut groups during this period. The devastating conflicts with European settlers is recounted with good detail of the known and suspected causes and repercussions. Colorful stories and incidents involving well-known personages, such as Chief Sequassen (who sold Hartford to settlers), the troublesome English Oldham’s of Wethersfield and Windsor’s infamous Capt. John Mason, are incorporated. We come away asking ourselves questions like, “What happened to all these Native American groups and their culture?” and “How many different ways has Connecticut been spelled these past 400 years?”
Suggested reading level: grades 5 through post-graduate studies.

Reviewed by Judith Sitkin in February 2001