Today I turn our focus back to Native American Heritage Month. I'm sharing a book that gives us a look at the true spirit of the warriors with quotes, photographs, and artwork. The book is Spirit of Indian Warrior edited by Michael Oren Fitzgerald and Joseph A. Fitzgerald.
From the Publisher:
Richly illustrated with historical photographs and paintings, Spirit of the Indian Warrior presents the thoughts of some of history's greatest warriors and tribal leaders. It offers an intimate window into the cultural values of courage, loyalty, and generosity.When the first Europeans landed in North America, its native peoples faced a challenge unlike any before. Many warriors and chiefs vowed, like Tecumseh, “to resist as long as I live and breathe.” Some eventually accepted treaties of peace, but they soon found, like Chief Joseph, that these were worth little: “What treaty that the whites have kept has the red man broken? Not one. What treaty that the whites ever made with us red men have they kept? Not one.”
Hope for the future, however, remains strong among their proud descendants. And the words of the Indian warrior live on and inspire the people of America's First Nations, as well as people across the world.
From Me:
First I have to tell you I found the forward by Charles Trimble fascinating. He delves into answering a question he often hears about how the Native American quotes often sound like poetry. Think about any Native American quotes you have heard and you understand this question. Often their wording is such that it sounds like poetry or at least something you wish you had thought to say. Beyond the forward and preface comes the true book which is filled of quotes from Native American warriors. Some are long and some are short. They are on different subjects from growing up, fighting to how they feel they were treated by white man. Along with the quotes are photographs and artwork. Each giving you an idea of these truly brave people.
As one reads these quotes and explores the art, one gathers the mindset or spirt of the warriors. It also shares the mindset of the Native nations. The quotes share the thoughts of the survivors. There are even some from female warriors and about females who fought for their people. This book marks the history of many Native American Nations and what they truly went through as the white settlers took over their land. It is eye-opening and emotional. Come learn the experience of the indigenous people of our land.
