I don't have a lot of time;so I'll just list a few sources I found helpful
when I started studying different indian tribes of North America. I am part
Indian, but grew up divorced from traditional teachings. So most of my
knowledge is intellectual and not experential concerning many tribes. As a
Mohawk indian in Upstate New York, most of my contact is just with Iroquois.
But here's a few things to look at:
One of the best books for introducing Native thought in the old traditions
is _BLACK ELK SPEAKS_ written by Niedhardt as translated to him by Black Elk,
an Oglala Souix elder in the 1930's. It is the story of Black Elk's life as
told during the time of white progression into the west.
Any books by Brooke Medicine Eagle are also good sources of traditional
teachings combined with her contemporary views on spirituality. She focuses
especially on women and how they can connect with Mother Earth through native
teachings.
Books by Tom Brown Jr.,while not outright indian books, give good insight
into native thought, especially our connection to the earth. Some titles are
_THE VISION_, _THE SEARCH_, and _THE QUEST_. He learned about life in the
wilderness from an Apache warrior.
There is also a quarterly magazine published that addresses problems of
aboriginal peoples today and gives articles on past and present ceremomials.
It is called _SHAMAN'S DRUM_ I don't have the subscription address but will
supply it later if you want it.
Finally, when trying to distinguish what you should and shouldn't trust
when learning about people and spirituality, you should just trust your
intuition if no one else can give you a definite answer. If it sounds right
to you, then it is probably a valid interpretation of spiritaulity that the
person is making.
Sincerely,
Dave
<DBROWN@ITHACAOA.BITNET>