Coleman, William S.E. Voices of Wounded Knee.Univ. of Nebraska, Bison Books. 434p. illus. notes. bibliog. index. c2000. 0-8032-6422-4. $19.95. SA While researching the career of William F. Cody, William Cody, (William Frederick) “Buffalo Bill” (1845–1917) frontiersman, showman; born in Scott County, Iowa. After his father died when he was 12, and with little formal education, he worked as a wagoner, trapper, and prospector before joining the Pony Express at Coleman had the opportunity to interview Benjamin Black Elk Black Elk (b. Ekhaka Sapa) (1863–1950) Oglala Sioux mystic/medicine man; born near the Little Powder River in present-day Montana or Wyoming. Returning with Sitting Bull from Canadian exile, he traveled with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. , son of the famous Black Elk, the author of Black Elk Speaks. Benjamin discussed the Ghost Dance Ghost Dance, central ritual of the messianic religion instituted in the late 19th cent. by a Paiute named Wovoka. The religion prophesied the peaceful end of the westward expansion of whites and a return of the land to the Native Americans. and its part in the massacre Massacre See also Genocide. Acre after conquering city, Richard I executed 2700 Muslims (1191). [Eur. Hist.: Bishop, 83–84] Armenian Massacre Turks decimated Armenian population, dispersed survivors (1896). [Eur. Hist. at Wounded Knee Wounded Knee, creek, rising in SW S.Dak. and flowing NW to the White River; site of the last major battle of the Indian wars. After the death of Sitting Bull, a band of Sioux, led by Big Foot, fled into the badlands, where they were captured by the 7th Cavalry on Dec. on December 29, 1890. He also maintained that the history books did not give enough space to the views of the Native Americans involved in the events. Coleman has set out to give these voices, all the voices, a hearing. His book includes interviews with participants and observers such as the press and missionaries. The events leading up to the massacre are contradictory, but Coleman lets readers draw their own conclusions about whose version is more accurate. Coleman and his wife have spent nearly 30 years collecting documents for this book, so it is thoroughly researched. It will come as a surprise to no one that the press of the day inflamed the situation by printing exaggerations and outright lies. This is the most balanced version of Wounded Knee because it gives voice to all those involved, from the U.S. Army to the Lakota Sioux. A must for high school libraries. Janet Julian, former English Teacher, Grafton H.S., Grafton, MA |
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