A Native American Encyclopedia History, Culture, and Peoples

Dispelling myths, answering questions, and stimulating thoughtful avenuesfor further inquiry, this highly readable reference provides a wealth ofspecific information about all known North American Indians. Readers willdelight in the stirring narratives about everything from notable leaders andrelations with non-natives; to customs, dress, dwellings, and weapons; togovernment and religion. Addressing over 200 groups of Native American groups inCanada and the United States, A Native American Encyclopedia: History, Culture,and People is at once exhaustive yet readable, covering myriad aspects of apeople spread across ten geographical regions.Listed alphabetically for easy access, each Native American group ispresented in careful detail, starting with the tribal name, translation, origin,and definition. Each entry then includes significant facts about the group'slocation and population, as well as impressive details about the history andculture of the group. Bringing each entry up-to-date, Editor Barry Pritzker alsoaddresses with ease current information on each group's government, economy,legal status, and reservations. Engaging and precise, Pritzker's prose makesthis extensive work an enjoyable read. Whether he is giving the courtinterpretation of the term "tribe" (Many traditional Native American groups werenot tribes at all but more like extended families) or describing how a Shoeshonewoman served as a guide on the Louis and Clarke expedition, the material isalways presented in a clear and lively manner.In light of past and ongoing injustices and the momentum of Indian and Intuitself-determination movements, an understanding of these native cultures as wellas their contributions to contemporary society becomes increasingly important.This book provides all the essential information necessary to fully grasp thehistory, culture, and current feelings surrounding North American Indians. It isnot only a compelling resource for students and researchers of Native Americanstudies, anthropology, and history, but an indispensable guide for anyoneconcerned with the past and present situation of the numerous Native Americangroups.

Barry Pritzker is a former teacher of American History and the author of books on Ansel Adams, Matthew Brady, and Edward Curtis. He is also a contributing author for the Dictionary of American Biography and the Atlas of Native American History, both published by Cambridge University Press.