Visit Teepee Town
Native Writings After The Detours
Visit Teepee Town presents an ecclectic and beguiling compilation of such varied genres as poetry, personal journalism, tribal oral tradition and academic essay. Additionally, these various forms of writing are from a generous selection of indiginous people ranging from the Arctic Circle to southern Mexico, from the East Coast to the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific.
We hear from Gerald Vizenor who’s thoughts on the origin of anthropologists are amusingly relevant. Lise McCloud’s powerful writing in Mixed American Pak, blends the themes of forced residential Indian schooling and the National American Holiday of July Fourth with the poetic names of Chinese Fire Works. From her top ten list of fireworks he would like to see in beadwork: 1. Opening Flower with Happy Bird; 8. Sunflower Spinner; 10. Sword Orchid Fountain.
Sherman Alexie, Allison Adelle Hedge Coke, Linda Hogan, Wendy Rose, James Luna, Carolyn Lei-lanilau and Barbara Tedlock are just a few of the many writers who collaborate in a work that utilizes a comple entymology and quick wordplay.
It’s focus in parts is broad and readily available to most readers, but in others as narrow as to be understood only by speakers of a specific endangered tongue. This book is a welcome addition to Native literature.
Reviewed by
Gabrielle Shaw
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
