Re: a short history of pan-Indianism

Tom Leonard (tleonard@tulsa.com)
Mon, 04 Aug 1997 01:04:26 -0500

I understand the point that is trying to be made here. However, I'd like to
point out the term "Pan-Indianism" or "Pan-Indian" was originally an
anthropology term coined by the late Dr. James Howard in the 1960's (i
believe 1965). If you are trying to relate a history of the term, this
ought to be mentioned.

To quote Howard (Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin No. 195, pg. 158):
"By Pan-Indianism is meant the process by which certain Indian groups are
losing their tribal distinctiveness and in its place are developing a
generalized nontribal "Indian" culture."

Never cared that much for Howard's work. In my opinion, he fit an awful lot
of his observations into what he wanted to say. I've used some of the same
informants that he used and came up with completely different stories. But
Howard did coin the phrase "Pan-Indianism".

Now, however, it seems you're attaching a completely different meaning to it.
In the communities here in Oklahoma, that term *always* had a very negative
connotation. Why would you want to use it now?

Just my 2 cents.

Tom Leonard
tleonard@tulsa.com

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Comments from NativeNet listowner, Gary Trujillo (gst@gnosys.svle.ma.us):

In case others are thinking of responding on this thread, please don't,
since the NATIVE-L list can't really support ongoing discussion. Thanks.