The Definition Of "Native American" : Provides a 7 page overview of the various factors which are used to determine whether or not a person is indeed a Native American. Stresses the importance of what is in the heart rather than phylogenetic or stereotypical images of what a "true" Native American is. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Nawho.wps

Memory & Its Importance To Native American Survival : A 5 page discussion of the importance of memory to both historic and extant Native American cultures. Includes a technical discussion of the physiology of memory formation and extensive reference to "Ceremonies of the Damned" by Adrian C. Louis, poetry about the injustices of life on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and about the horrors of the memory loss experienced by his wife as a result of Alzheimer’s. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Namemory.wps

The Chickasaw Indians : A 15 page overview on the history and ways of the Chickasaw Indians. The writer describes the Chickasaw people in terms of culture, religion and also in relationship to the United States Government. Bibliography lists 14 sources. Chickasaw.wps

The Cherokee / Family Characteristics, Organization, and Values : A 6 page look at family structure and values in the Cherokees. Emphasis is placed on the clan system and on the family relationships imposed by that system. Bibliography lists three sources. Cherokee.wps

Sam Houston Among the Cherokee : A 12 page examination of Sam Houston's two stays among the Cherokee. The writer discusses the culture of the Cherokee and gives an overview of Houston's personal life and his career moves. Bibliography lists eight sources. Shouston.wps

The Cherokee Removal : A 20 page examination of the factors leading up to the Cherokee Removal, the Removal itself and the years immediately after the removal. Discusses the two Cherokee factions which were at play during this time period, one led by John Rodgeand the other by the principal chief of the Cherokee John Ross. Bibliography lists 12+ sources. Cherfact.wps

The Cherokee / Their Lands, Their Rights, Their Removal : A 5 page examination of the issues surrounding the forced removal of the Cherokee from their ancestral lands in Georgia. Bibliography lists ten sources. Cherk2.wps

Andrew Jackson and the Cherokee Nation : A 7 page paper that discusses the issued surrounding Andrew Jackson's role in the removal of the Cherokee Nation for its lands. Removal of Indians dated back for decades; Jackson's actions therefore not only supported his own beliefs, they sanctioned the actions and opinions that were historical present in the country during the 1800s. The writer explores the background of the principal parties and discusses the events leading up to the forced march of the Cherokees. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Jackcher.wps

The Lenape Indians : A 3 page report on the Lenni-Lenape Indians and their place in the Northeastern United State's colonial history. Issues concerning geography and territorial disputes are touched upon. No Bibliography. Lenape.wps

Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota Indians / Family Tradition & Social Structure : A 10 page research paper in which the writer discusses the family traditions, social practices, and political organization of this Minnesota/Eastern Dakota tribe. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Nativein.wps

The Taino Indians -- One Of The First Cultures Destroyed By Europeans : An 8 page research paper on The Taino Indians-- a tribe that belonged to the Arawak culture of South America's tropical region. The writer describes the culture, philosophy, rituals & traditions of this group. A history of the Taino Indians under European conquest is presented and it is concluded that they were among the first tribes to be robbed of their culture by invading empires. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Tainoind.wps

South-American Native Tribes : A 10 page research paper discussing the history, culture, anthropology, and social evolution of three groups of Native Indians : The Yanomamo (regarded as one of the most violent societies on Earth !), the Zapotecs (known for architecture & urban development), and the Yucatecs (relevant to Mayans) Bibliography lists 7 sources. Zapotec.wps

The Mayan Civilization Was A Vibrant & Flourishing World : This 6 page research paper provides an overview of the ancient Mayans of Mexico. Significant events in the civilizations history are noted. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Mayanc.wps

History & Use of the Mayan Calendar : 8 pages in length. A thorough discussion of Native Indian (Mexico) rituals concerning the use of the sun and moon as instruments to determine calendar dates. The creation, carving, and shaping of actual Mayan calendars is discussed as is the culture's ancient numbering system - figures of dots and bars based on five. Annual calendar cycles and chronology are explained in great detail. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Mayancal.wps

The Tlingit Treatment Of Death : A 5 page examination of the rituals associated with death in nineteenth century Tlingit culture. The Tlingit people lived along the coast of Southeast Alaska which extended from the Canadian boundary to Yakutat Bay.In this report, emphasis is placed on body preparation, mourning, and the potlatch with respect to the traditions of this particular aboriginal culture. Bibliography lists four sources. Tlinget.wps

Native American Mortuary Practices & Their Association with Culture : A 30 page overview of the various mortuary practices and grave goods often associated with Native American burials and the ability to determine an individual’s culture and the societal organization of those who participated in the burial based on these practices and goods. Contrasts the burial practices of the Mandan and Sioux and provides information about the issue of repatriation and the importance of being able to demonstrate culture on the basis of burial information. Bibliography lists 16 sources. Nbury.wps

Geronimo : A 10 page exploration of Geronimo, the great Apache warrior. Bibliography lists six sources. Geronim.wps

The Native American Indians / Historic Perspectives : A 12 page discussion of several key historic perspectives on the Native Indians. Specifically examined are the disparate policies and different perspectives of Andrew Jackson, Captain John Smith, Frederick W. Turner, and others. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Indpersp.wps

Native American Dress (With An Emphasis on Festive and Ceremonial Dress) : A 9 page overview of Native American clothing styles. Emphasizes festive and ceremonial dress. stresses that the term Native American is very widespread in terms of the cultural and thus artistic diversity it encompasses and that art and dress styles vary not only with culture but with the particular time period which is being discussed. Bibliography lists 18 sources. Nadr.wps

Sherman Alexie’s "Indian Killer" : This 5 page research paper reviews Sherman Alexie's 1996 novel, Indian Killer by examining the life of central character, John Smith, who has gone on a killing rampage in his attempt to reclaim his Indian heritage from the white man. The supporting protagonists, each with his own anger and motivation against white society are also explored in detail. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Indkilr.wps

Ceremonies of the Hopi and Havasupai / Contrasts & Similarities :
A 10 page exploration of the similarities and differences in Hopi and Havasupai ceremony. Emphasizes the connection of the ceremonies with the land and environment of these groups. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Hopihav.wps

The Navajo / An Overview : A 6 page overview of the Dine, the Navajo. Includes history and contemporary status with information on such aspects as their religious, political and cultural configurations and how each of these is in a state of change. Bibliography lists 9 sources. Dinenav.wps

The Ceremonies Of The Hopi And The Havasupai / Changes Through Time : A 10 page exploration of the similarities of Hopi and Havasupai ceremony. Emphasizes the connection of the ceremonies with the land and environment of these groups and notes the changes which have occurred in the ceremonial life of the Hopi and Havasupai cultures as a result of their contact with non-Natives. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Hopina.wps

Book Review / Navajo - Hopi Conflict : This 5 page paper examines the Navajo and Hopi conflict to retain what each claimed as the land of their birthright and the impact of this struggle particularly upon Native-American women in the 1992 book, The Wind Won't Know Me: A History of the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute. No additional sources. Navhopi.wps

Navajo and Hopi : A 7 page research paper describing the world and religious views of each tribe and their impact on arts.The writer describes how certain worldviews of each tribe contribute to the art forms including sandpaintings of the Navajo and kachina dolls of the Hopi. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Hopinava.wps

The Navajo Blessingway Ceremony : A 5 page paper exploring the Navajo Blessingway ceremony, the ritual and story tradition that forms the core of a major Navajo view. Bibliography lists four sources. Navajo.doc

The Sun Dance / A Sacred Native American Rituals : A 5 page overview of the Sun Dance. Includes specific information on the ceremony itself and how this ceremony and its connotations have changed over time. Also includes introductory material on the Battle of Little Big Horn and why Sitting Bull’s vision during the Sun Dance was instrumental in the outcome of the battle. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Sundance.wps

The Decline Of Traditional Southeastern Dance Among The Cherokee and Creek : A 6 page review of the current status of dance among some groups of Southeastern Native Americans. Analyzes the shift in concentration from traditional dances such as the stomp dance to the modern day Pow Wow style dance among the Cherokee and the Creek. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Stompdnc.wps

Repatriation of the Native American Sacred Pipe : A 10 page overview of the Sacred Pipe, how it came to be, how in many cases it has been taken from the people. Gives an example of a recent repatriation of the Sacred Pipe to the Northern Cheyenne. Includes details regarding the ritualistic use of the pipe and of the care that goes into making it as well as the logistics of the repatriation movement and the obstacles Native Americans typically face in regaining one of their most cherished possessions. Includes an overview of the importance of the Sacred Pipe to other Native American cultures as well, especially the Lakota Sioux. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Piperep.wps

Rites of Passage / Native Americans vs. Today’s Americans : A 7 page paper exploring the rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood. Three native cultures and their traditional rituals are compared (Okiek, Okrika, Tukuna) with one another and then with those of today’s modern teenager in America. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Rite.wps

Native American Acculturation & How it Affects Educational Achievement : A 9 page exploration of cultural obstacles which face many Native Americans on their moving from the reservations into the dominant white culture and how these obstacles influence educational performance. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Natived.wps

"Into the Heart" / A Book Review : A 3 page analytical reaction to Kenneth Good's book entitled "Into the Heart." The text is about Good's voyage to Venezuela where he studied the ways of the Yanomama tribe;-- a Stone Age group known as the "fierce people" whose customs are nothing short of surprising. No Bibliography. Intohart.wps

Ralph Andrist's "The Long Death" / Plight Of The American Indians : An 8 page paper that recounts the history of the American Indians and the U.S. military strucuture that defeated them. Considered are a number of major battles and the consequences that the military push toward genocide had on the Native American nations of the 19th century. No additional sources cited. Indians.wps

Native Indian Life & Survival During the Early Colonial Era : A 3 page article review in which the writer examines an author's discussion of the White men who first came to America and failed miserably at imitating Native Indian lifestyles and wound up dying from cold winters, malnutrition, etc;-- Simply because they tried to do things their "own way"-- and not follow the example of those who had already lived there successfully for so many centuries. Although the article itself is no longer available, the essay provides excellent analysis and makes for worthwhile reading on the subject. No Bibliography. Natives.wps

Native Indians & Canada : Approximately 15 pages in length. Paper discusses the "social genocide" caused by relevant issues in human services/education for members of Canada's "First Nation" (Native Indians). Excellent for those studying sociology, education, Canadian socio-politics, or Native Indians. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Firsnati.wps

Problems With American Indian Education : The problems faced by American Indians today in the education system of the United States is explored in this 7 page paper. A discussion of societal responses and suggestions follow. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Amerind.wps

Native Civilizations of Latin America : A short, 4 page look at the history of pre-Columbian Latin America. Meso American civilization (mostly Aztec and Maya) is explored in this essay with reference to specific tribes (Olmec, Toltec, etc;) and large cities (ex. Tenochtitlan) that flourished. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Latinhis.wps

The Natives of Latin America : A 3 page research paper on the attitudes of both sides upon first European contact, and continuing contact. The writer details the early Spanish conquest, the actors, and how each side reacted. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Latin1.wps

Miguel Leon-Portilla’s "Broken Spears" : A 7 page paper that reviews the book Broken Spears by Miguel Leon-Portilla. This paper describes the author's presentation of material in regards to the Nahaus perspectives on the Spanish conquest of Mexico. His utilization of materials from as far back as 1528 allows the reader an adequate vision of the discrepancies between the historical representation of events and the events as perceived by the indigenous people / Native Indians. No additional sources cited. Spears.wps

"Native Roots" by Jack Weatherford : A 5 page paper that reviews Weatherford's book, focusing upon defining his thesis and demonstrating support for Weatherford's belief that major political, cultural, and social constructs in the Americas, including the economy, were based on the principles and techniques of Native American communities. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Nativer.wps

"Native Roots" by Jack Weatherford # 2 : A 5 page paper that considers the importance of Weatherford's historical account of the relationship between European settlers and Native American communities. This paper presents Weatherford's work in a critical perspective, noting that his focus on the importance of the interaction between Indians and European settlers almost negates the devastating impacts enacted against the Indians. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Nativer2.wps

The Flight of Chief Joseph and His People / Manifest Destiny? : A 38 page research paper exploring the history of the Nez Perce and their leader Chief Joseph who, in 1877, led them on a 1700 mile journey through some of the roughest terrains of the present-day states of Montana, Oregon, and Idaho trying to escape capture by the US Army. The writer presents an in-depth discussion of manifest destiny as it relates to the conquest of the Americas, a location map, a chronological table of events, and more. Contains numerous quotes from Chief Joseph and other primary sources to support thesis. Bibliography lists 16 sources. Chjoseph.wps

Oppression / Anne Frank Compared With Chief Joseph : A thoughtful, 5 page look at the similarities between the oppressions of Anne Frank and those of Chief Joseph. The writer defines ‘oppression’ and then provides illustrative examples of how each individual suffered its persecuting spell. No bibliography. Franket.wps

Paul Bernal - An American-Indian & Hero : 4 pages on Paul Bernal-- a genuine Native Indian and historical figure presented in McCutchen & Gordon's "[The] Taos Indians and the Battle for Blue Lake." The writer describes Bernal's heroic qualities, admirable leadership skills, and many accomplishments in helping his people to retain their sacred land which was threatened by the United States government. No Bibliography. Paulbern.wps

Taos Indians Struggle To Retain Their Sacred Land : A 6 page paper on Gordon & McCutchen's "Taos Indians & The Battle For Blue Lake"-- a work documenting the struggle that the Taos Indians endured against the U.S. Government in attempting to win back the rights to their sacred land. The courageous spirit of this inspirational group is praised and commentary on the socio-political problems they solved is analyzed. No other sources cited. Taosbook.wps

The Juaneno's Indians vs. The California Government : In this 10 page paper, the writer documents the historic struggle of the Juaneno Indians-- a group battling for recognition and granting of tribal status from the California State Government. Going all the way from the 18th century through modern times, the paper concentrates mostly on why recognition is so important and how badly the State Government has wronged these people. An overview of the common legal "requirements" for tribal recognition is provided as well. Bibliography lists 7 sources. Nativeind.wps

Mimbres Pottery : A 10 page essay on the beautiful pottery produced by this tribe of ancient North American Indians. Bibliography lists six sources. Mimbres.wps

Totem Poles : An 8 page paper that outlines the prevallence of totem poles in the cultures of the Native American Pacific Northwest. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Totem.wps

Totem Poles and the Pacific : A 5 page research paper detailing the importance of the Pacific Ocean to Native American Indian Culture. Bibliography listing four sources is attached. Totempol.wps

Review / Book Focuses Upon Native Indian Technology : In this 5 page review of Jerry Mander's "In The Absence Of the Sacred," the writer looks closely at sections dealing with technology of Native Indians prior to the arrival of Europeans and contrasts (i.e., land cultivation, food storage, shelter, etc;) their nature-orientated society with the greedy, technology-based society of Americans today. No other sources cited. Sacred3.wps

Native American Land Ethics vs. The European Abuse Of Land :
An 18 page discussion contrasting environmental land ethics of two different cultures. The question of whether such differences are an innate part of the Native American culture is addressed. Numerous sources cited. Nativela.wps

Settling The West / Conflict & Assimilation : A 12 page paper that provides an overview of the progression of settlements and Christianity westward in the 19th century and considers the elements of socialization, land value and conflict that determined the roles of both settlers and Native Americans. Bibliography lists two sources. Westsetl.wps

Causes & Consequences of Native American Migration : A 5 page overview of the pre-Columbian history of the people we call Native Americans. Includes possible reasons for their migration to the Americas and describes the complex evolution that resulted in many diverse cultures. Describes the division between the cultural regions separated by the Rio Grande river and differences that existed between the governmental organization of Aztec and Inca. Concludes with a summary of the decimation Native Americans experienced upon contact with European cultures. Bibliography lists 4 sources. Namigrat.wps

Impacts to Native Americans In The 16th & 17th Centuries : A 4 page overview of the different approaches to colonization of Spain and Portugal verses England, France, and Holland in the 16th and 17th Centuries. Describes differences in their interactions with Native Americans. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Contcolo.wps

Mary Rowlandson and Anglo-Indian Conflict : A 5 page paper that supports the belief that "Anglo-Indian conflict resulted from vast cultural differences separating Indian and Anglo societies." This notion is supported by Mary Rowlandson's "The Sovereignty and Goodness of God" and demonstrates the way in which religion played a role in the cultural differences that divided these societies. No additional sources cited. Rowland.wps

Native American Views Of Columbus : A 3 page paper that discusses not only the genocide of indigenous peoples instigated by Columbus on his voyages, but also that it engendered the same policy in Euro-American societies. The paper presents the viewpoint presented in a 1996 position paper on Columbus and the fallacy of idolizing him as a "hero," including statistics in support of the genocide argument and the paper's/writers and contributors global concerns for the environment (based on initial Seneca quote). The position paper argument is backed by five other authors. The paper posits that refusal to listen to these arguments has serious implications for free-market societies. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Natcol.wps

"American Genesis / Cpt. John Smith & The Founding Of Virginia" : A 4 page paper on this book by Alden T Vaughn in which the writer provide a brief analytical overview and then comments on the author's viewpoint. The stories of John Smith, Jamestown, and the early plight of the Native Indians are covered. Amergeni.wps

White Man vs. The Native Indians -- Real Stories in History : A 5 page analysis of Alvin Josephy's "Patriot Chiefs" -- a book which attempts to detail realistic events and interactions occurring between America's Native Indians and early European settlers. What makes this book particularly important is that it contains a recounting of the first Thanksgiving ever. Also discussed in this essay are : King Phillip's War Against the Indians (17th century), the role of the Puritans, and the hypocrisy of White Europeans in a changing America. No Bibliography. Patriot.wps

Native American Views On Custer : An 8 page paper analyzing the Native American view of Custer and the battle at Little Big Horn that they should have won. The analysis is based on their spiritual views on land preservation and how the preservation has been their spiritual duty for 20 million years. This is contrasted to the U.S. settler's views of autonomy on a new land, and the belief that they also received this land in exchange of developing the "right" form of government. The Native American view concentrates on the vision as interpreted by Crazy Horse and the council of Chiefs of that time period. Bibliography lists 9 sources. Custer.wps

(The) Battle at Little Big Horn : A 6 page report that looks at the battle from a neutral perspective, providing insight both into the Native Indian and Military points of view. Bibliography lists 8 sources. Litbigho.wps

Native Indian Poetry "Vision" / Importance Of The Rainbow : A one page expletive essay on the poem The Vision. The author writes about their feelings of what the poem means and is trying to explain. Vision.wps

The Aztec Empire : In 6 pages the author gives a general overview of the Aztec Empire. Their beginning, how they came about, their growth, success, and eventual decline are discussed. Bibliography lists 5 sources. Aztecemp.wps

Aztect Art : An in-depth, 6 page discussion of Aztec art. Describes culture, history, and its influence in several examples from relevant periods. Bibliography cites 6 sources. Aztecart.wps

Comparing Aztec and Inca Art : A 9 page comparison between Aztec and Incan art & architecture. The writer makes their analysis based upon each group's respective culture, design, structure, etc; Bibliography lists 9 sources. Incaazte.wps

Olmec [Native Indian] Art : A 5 page outline of materials describing beliefs which are helpful in interpreting ancient pieces of art from the Olmecs. A belief that shaman are transformed into jaguars, and similar related notions, are the basis for their creations. No bibliography. Olmecart.wps

Conspiracy Of Pontiac : A 5 page essay on the two volume book, Conspiracy of Pontiac, by Indian war historian Francis Parkman. The writer provides an informative & critical analysis covering Parkman's style, theme, and literary allusions. No additional sources cited. Pontiac.wps

Dee Brown’s "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" : A 5 page report on the best-selling book by Dee Brown. It explains the history of the Wounded Knee massacre, and shows that Brown is attempting to raise our consciousness about Indian issues through the writing of this book. No additional sources cited. Bury.doc

Native American Teen Suicide : A 15 page exploration of the issues surrounding Native American teen suicide both on the reservation and off. Emphasizes the diversity of Native American cultures and provides an overview of the cultural obstacles which face many Native Americans on their moving from the reservations into the dominant white culture and how these obstacles influence true integration into that culture and thus personal satisfaction with life in general. Stresses that counseling must incorporate specific understanding of the many factors which adversely affect Native Americans both on and off the reservation. Bibliography lists 6 sources. Natsuic.wps

Genocide of Native American Compared to that of the Jews in World War II : A 5 page overview of definition of "genocide" in terms on Native American history when compared with Jewish history in World War II. Makes extensive reference to, and rebuts the philosophies of Steven Katz, author of "The Holocaust in a Historical perspective". Concludes that the Native American peoples experienced genocide just as assuredly as did the Jews in World War II. Bibliography lists 3 sources. Najew.wps

"Unspeakable Sadness" vs. "Disposition of Nebraska Indians" / Theft of Land & Culture : A 12 page overview of the differences in approaches to ecology which were responsible for the atrocities and wrongs perpetuated on the American Indian in regards to their land and culture by white settlers and governments invading Nebraska and California. Based largely on the books by David J. Wisehart and John Walton. Bibliography lists 2 sources. Unspeak.wps