native americans

native americans

The Peoples of the First Thanksgiving

The Peoples of the First Thanksgiving

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Uncategorized
Thanksgiving commemorates one of the most durable early alliances crafted between indigenous American tribes and European settlers.  Intertribal Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag (Pokanoket) and Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth settlers adopted this historic peace treaty in 1621.  By 1620, Massasoit’s confederation was imperiled by the larger and stronger Narragansett tribe; and had suffered significant losses from an unknown disease (almost certainly Smallpox).  At the same time, the Plymouth colony had lost half of their members due to starvation and new diseases, as well.  Both consulted their religious advisors, interpreting the deaths as a supernatural punishment, but neither saw clear spiritual signs as to a course of action. Massasoit sent Samoset to feel out the intentions of the pilgrims, … Continued
Archeology and Intercultural Dialogue

Archeology and Intercultural Dialogue

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
In recent blogs, library tools related to archeology and sustainability have been explored, in support of a documentary film and a presentation by assistant professor of anthropology Dr. Aaron Comstock, given on November 10.  The video, Common Ground: The Story of Bears Ears documents the many competing concerns over the Bears Ears monument in Utah, including the preservation of  art and historical artifacts (materials of outsized importance in understanding pre-literate native cultures), conservation, the development of energy and rare resources, and providing space to live.  The need for input from all shareholders, particularly from Native Americans, is a primary and ongoing concern. In his work, Aaron Comstock has sought to foster dialogue with and inclusion of Native American stakeholders in … Continued
Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
November is Native American Heritage Month – an opportunity to pay tribute to the traditions and ancestry of the tribes and people groups who originally occupied this continent.  It is an opportunity to learn and to foster dialogue. Library resources are among the most vetted and authoritative available. One of the best databases is American Indian History Online, which features primary sources, maps, documentary videos, and other media.  It is searchable by region, tribe, person, event, or topic.  Of special note are sections on influential court cases and legislative history.  Another database is Early Encounters in North America, which covers material from the 1500s to the 1800s that document the relationships among the inhabitants of what are now the United … Continued
Wide Awake

Wide Awake

, , , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
This month features an opportunity to see a documentary, “Awake: A Dream from Standing Rock” about the failed Sioux-led protests against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which in the process of delivering oil from North Dakota to Illinois crosses both the Missouri and Mississippi River upstream of American Indian tribal lands. Government pushback against the protests over the course of more than a year led to around 300 injuries and 500 arrests. This film is sponsored by the Diversity Events Committee and will play five more times in various venues on campus in the months of March and April. While the protest movement was not successful, it has brought national and international attention to the legal battles surrounding … Continued
American Indian History Databases

American Indian History Databases

, Library Resources, Mandi Moning 0 Comments
Researching American Indian History? The library has some great primary and secondary resources to help you in your quest! If you’re new to the subject and need an overview of some possible topics, American Indian History Online is a great place to start. From the database homepage, click “Events and Topics” to explore overviews of themes such as American Indians in the American Revolution (see “Wars and Rebellions”) or employment and labor in the ancient Americas (see “Economics, Trade, and Labor”). This database provides you with an encyclopedic overview of a variety of topics, biographies of prominent individuals, images, maps, and some supplementary primary sources. Once you have a basic understanding of your chosen topic, try exploring secondary resources with … Continued