A Critical Look at American Indians in Children’s Literature

A Critical Look at American Indians in Children’s Literature By Deebie Reese

Think about children’s or young adult books you have read that are about American Indians. Locate, copy & paste the cover of a book you recall on the next slide.

What is cultural appropriation? Taking elements of one culture, usually a minority culture, and incorporating them into a majority culture. Often the elements are used inappropriately and incorrectly. Some uses are disrespectful and promote stereotypes and untruths about the minority culture.

Why is this particularly common with American Indian culture?

What problems should concern us regarding literature about American Indians that is written for children & teens?(Borrowed from Debbie Reese)

Problem:“They’re all gone.”

Confined to the past

Solution • Look for books set in the present day. • Look for books by Native authors. • Talk about author’s tribe and work.

Problem: Misrepresentation of traditional values in “Native American Folktales, Myths, and Legends”

“a Pueblo Indian tale” Which Pueblo? Remember, there are 19 in New Mexico, and they are not identical.

“You must prove yourself. You must pass through the four chambers of ceremony—the Kiva of Lions, the Kiva of Serpents, the Kiva of Bees, and the Kiva of Lightening.”

Solutions • Look for tribally specific traditional stories by Native people • Look for well-made or model source notes inside the book

Problem: Institutional racism in shelving leads to trivialization

Solution: Shelve Native stories with World Religions (290s) instead of Fairy and Folk tales (398s )

Problem: • Too much historical fiction • Bias in historical fiction FACTS: 1804: Indian Territory created 1845: almost 100,000 Choctaw, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminoles in Indian Territory 1868: Charles moves family to Indian Territory.

BIAS: Not as “empty” as Wilder suggests. Laura was 2 years old. Quote: “The only good Indian is a dead Indian.”

Solution: Look for newer historical fiction

…and contemporary fiction by Native authors

Problem: Award status is not reliable indicator

Solution • Learn all you can about a single tribe • Check tribal websites • Use available resources

Tips for Choosing American Indian Literature

Oyate www.oyate.org

http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.net dreese.nambe@gmail.com

Coming Up • Assignment 3 due next week • Assignment 4 due May 2nd

A Critical Look at American Indians in Children’s Literature