Discusses history of various Central American musical instruments, how the instruments were used then, and how they are used now. Much Indian music today serves to bolster Indian rights, express community pride, and serves as a badge of otherness. (AN)

Although altered by government and religious sanctions since the establishment of reservations in 1878, the Omaha dance still serves as an obtrusive demonstration of tribal identity and cohesion for the Oglala and Sicangu Sioux. The dance achieved a high level of prominence as a successful celebration for petitioning supernatural protection in…

Examines the nature and history of the Kahnawake Mohawk settlement's participation in the entertainment industry, including some of the Iroquoian roots of ritual parody that contributed to Mohawk performance. Notes some of the effects of entertainment on the settlement's traditional culture. (SB)

This publication provides teachers with a practical resource of information on the early history, cultural heritage, and traditions of Native people in Manitoba. Sections 1 and 2 draw from archeological evidence and oral tradition, respectively, to present two different perspectives on the origins and lifeways of early peoples. The academic…

Cherokee students at the Qualla Boundary started a student organization in 1973 to improve educational prospects among Native Americans attending non-Indian colleges and universities. Because cultural conflict was perceived as playing a crucial role in the failure of Cherokee students in higher education, a major objective of the group was to…

The collection of nine papers provides information on the history and culture of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Written by college-bound Choctaw high school students, the papers present topics on the lives of two Choctaw chiefs, Apukshunnubbee and Mushulatubbee; traditional Choctaw ceremonies (wedding and funeral customs, and social…