One of the main differences is philosophical: one group is concerned
with
time, and the other is concerned with space. The newcomers to the North
America see everything as a timeline, such as the movement across the
continent. The American Indian (remember, this book was written in
1973)
relates to the land, places, sacred burial grounds. This difference
in
concepts is especially important when dealing with religious practices.
A
tribe may have a valley or lake that is a sacred place to them. The
white
man sees religion in a ìtake it with youî form. Missionaries
will go
anywhere to convert pagans into the fold.
This is one of many differences you will find in this book. I have
discovered (after I finished the book) that there is an updated version
available.
Questions for the author:
1. Do you feel there has been any progress made in the treatment of
tribal
religions by the federal government in the 26 years since this book
was
published?
2. Is it possible for a tribal culture to survive in modern electronic
America and still retain the beliefs and traditions of their ancestors?
3. When peoples such as the Navajoís were forced onto reservations,
there
were different tribes with different religious practices. Did these
separate
groups come together as one or did they continue to band independently?
4. In your opinion, will the recent successful whale hunt by the Makah
of
Washington have any lasting affect on retaining tribal traditions in
this
country?
5. What was the reaction to your book when it was published? How well
was it
received by the American public?
Submitted by Darrell Brown.