Land of the Spotted Eagle

by Luther Standing Bear, Joseph Marshall (Introduction)

When Standing Bear returned to the Pine Ridge Sioux Reservation after sixteen years' absence, his dismay at the condition of his people may well have served as a catalyst for the writing of this book, first published in 1933. In addition to describing the customs, manners, and traditions of the Teton Sioux, Standing Bear also offered general comments about the importance of Native cultures and values and the status of Indian peoples in American society. With the assistance of Melvin R. Gilmore, curator of ethnology at the University of Michigan, and Warcaziwin, Standing Bear’s niece and secretary, Standing Bear sought to tell the white man “just how” they “lived as Lakotans.” Land of the Spotted Eagle is generously interspersed with personal reminiscences and anecdotes, including chapters on child rearing, social and political organization, family, religion, and manhood. Standing Bear's views on Indian affairs and his suggestions for the improvement of white-Indian relations are presented in the two closing chapters.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Native American, Indigenous, American History, School

276 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1978

About the author

Luther Standing Bear (Ota Kte, "Plenty Kill" or "Mochunozhin") was an Oglala Lakota chief notable in American history as an Native American author, educator, philosopher, and actor of the twentieth century.

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even with this book being nearly 100 years old, it is still a powerful book and quite timely for today. It is about the Lakota people and their experiences, how they lived their lives before the advent of the white man for most of the chapters in the book. The last few chapters deal with how Lakota society was dramatically and drastically changed when whites "took power" and forced the Lakota to live on reservations. It is an interesting read because it is exclusively from the author's perspective (which only makes sense), but this also means some of the perspectives and opinions shared are a bit one-sided (such as as he claims the Lakota were exclusively peaceful and treated their opponents and "enemies" decently, but I have read other accounts in which those who experienced the Lakota's "hospitality" would claim otherwise, how how some of his high praise of Crazy Horse do not necessarily match the historical record even amongst the Lakota; again, based on other accounts I have read).

It is really an amazing book. The way the Lakota are presented, it truly would seem they lived a "perfect life," what with the lack of crime or offenses committed against each other or even "disobedient, rebellious children." It truly seems "to good to be true," in some respects, but I have read similar accounts in terms of other tribes not having the same issues that are seen today amongst the youth or crimes being committed. It also seemed like there were numerous parallels to Christian beliefs in the Lakota beliefs (of course I failed to mark them down for future reference, but the parallels were there), which did surprise me. I suppose it should not have, as it seems many expectations of what constitutes "good behavior" show up in other societies as well and not just Christian societies only. Short-sightedness on my part there, I guess.

He makes great points about the hypocrisy of white men, of how Native Americans are deemed "savages" while whites who exhibit even worse characteristics or make even poorer choices are not deemed "savages." Why is it that Native Americans were deemed untrustworthy when it came to money and needing to be protected or unable to live their lives as they chose and yet white Americans who were suckered into various "get-rich-quick" kinds of schemes were continued to be allowed to make their poor choices? Why were the Lakota not allowed to be ranchers and have their own cattle herds and yet white ranchers were allowed to let their cattle graze on Native American reservations? Where the white ranchers and farmers that scared they could not compete on equal grounds with Native Americans? I thought it was a powerful point about how hypocritical it was that whites expected Native Americans to give up their former lives and yet mocked them for the problems of assimilating into white society, yet the author claims that if any whites tried to live as the Native Americans lived, they would not be able to do so (at least not unless they started as children and were trained by Native Americans in the Native American lifestyle(s)). Definitely numerous spot-on observations, accusations, and questions made throughout the book and especially in the last couple of chapters.

Based on the descriptions of how children were reared, the kinds of food that were eaten, and how active their lives were, it is no wonder that Native Americans were as healthy as they were. It was fascinating to read how they were able to handle pretty much any kind of weather and how, because they lived outdoors, they did not have the sicknesses or afflictions that Europeans tended to struggle with. On some levels, their lifestyle was quite appealing and seemed much more desirable than what we have today.

The author also did a great job calling into question what defines "savage" or a person's ability to "survive." The whites considered Native Americans to be "savages" and "uneducated" yet never truly gave the Native Americans a fair shake. Also, just because a tribe's history is not written down or there is no written language does not mean that said people is uncultured or uneducated; they just have a different way of looking at things and keeping records. The author makes the point time and time again that whites constantly disparaged the Native Americans without ever learning whether or not there were any truths to those ill-intentioned accusations and never stopped to consider that they themselves could not adjust to the Native American lifestyle as easily as the Native Americans assimilated into white society. I am not saying the Native Americans had an easy time of it, but it was "easier" for them than it would have been for white adults or even teenagers to try to be assimilated into Native American society.

It was a good book; it was a powerful book; it was an educational book. It gave me a lot to think about. I might have read it at some point in my life, but it being a textbook for one of my classes ensured I would (have to) read it, and I am glad that I did.

[David Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye opening book about the life of the American Indian before, during and after the arrival of the white "Europeans". As the author points out, much of what I learned in school, books and movies concerning American Indians is totally bogus. The peaceful life experienced by Native Americans and the "oneness" with nature is something we, as a culture, have destroyed for them. Luther Standing Bear recounts stories of his childhood (he was born in the 1860's), legends of his people, their customs, religion, way of life, personal interactions, their different roles in their society. He speaks of what it was like to be forced to live like a "civilized" person, the frequently broken promises and neglect from our government. It is heartbreaking to read how a vibrant society where everyone was cared for and there was no want was driven to abject poverty, deaths from diseases they had never known, the stripping of their lands and their rights. This book was originally written in 1933 and reprinted in 1978 and subsequent years. Since that time 80+ years ago, the same government that subjugated them still has not done enough to rid the remaining Indian Reservations of the fallout from those policies at the turn of the 20th century; the drug and alcohol addictions, the poverty. This book should be mandatory reading in schools so children learn what it really was like to be an American Indian and not the false ideas that are still spread today.

[Gronk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luther Standing Bear began life raised in the traditional Lakota fashion. His childhood was interrupted by the U.S. government's enforced reservation life and subsequent genocide. As a prepubescent child Standing Bear volunteered to go to the Carlisle school to learn the ways of white America.

Almost all that white America knew about the Native Americans and there culture was misunderstanding at best, outright brainwashing at worst. As a result white America feared and despised the "savage race". Standing Bear documents for us what the actual culture was and compares it to what he learned of white American culture. Written in 1933, this is a tragic look at a doomed people.

I'd thought that the brainwashing of America was a new thing, something that really took flight with the advent of social media. This work suggests that we've always been this way. The land of the free? Hardly.

[Florence Primrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Luther Standing Bear first returned to the Lakota reservation after being gone 16 years he was horrified. He had been at the Indian school in Carlisle PA for three years.1. He had visited friends in Omaha. He could not believe how poorly the residents were treated. He made it his work to attempt to improve things.

Interesting story about the many different ways Indians believe.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

A beautiful book written in 1933 that tells the story of the Lakotas. What their life was like before the white man came.

It is on college reading lists for courses in anthropology, history, & culture.

It is a sad read as well to read all that was forceable taken from them because they were considered “savages”.

[Mandy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written account of what life was like living as a Lakota boy and what he felt was lost with the colonization of Europeans. He gives a lot of detail into the Lakota lifestyle, ways of thinking, and values.

[Danika Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Such a beautiful picture of what America was, and the focus on what ideals were of importance to make it so fantastic. Well written and engaging. I loved the author's viewpoint and would recommend.

[Jennie Walker Knoot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book EVERYONE should read. LOVED it and underlined just about every line.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

A plain account of Lakota life by a complex man.

[Ryan Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

pages drip with rich cultural history, customs, norms, and fallacies of the white community

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last two chapters, "Later Days" and "What the Indian Means to America" are especially poignant, with the latter a classic that should be read by every American.

[Michele Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting worldview

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An invaluable text. Standing Bear's documentation of Lakota life, beliefs, and traditions is just as important now as it was almost 100 years ago.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an excellent book, i learnt so much about the life and culture of the native american indian people, love the life they lived and their great bond with mother earth and all who dwell on it. such a horrific massacre and disrespect of this people's beliefs by the occupiers and invaders of the americas!!all those interested in anthropological studies should read this book!!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luther Standing Bear gives us a glimpse into the hardships endured, but also the truth about Native Americans, their culture, beliefs and their enduring love of Mother Earth and how we are all connected. A must read.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is probably the only book that gives first hand accounts of both the Lakota's days of teepees and boarding schools. This was published in the 1930s, spanning probably the most significant shift in native american history.

[Jenna King · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for an immersion in a culture that completely encompasses you, this is it. I especially liked the commentary on education as a method of forced assimilation that was found throughout the book

[Sleighsgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent glimpse into the pre-white life of the Sioux Indians. These people lead very enriching lives.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the best books I've ever read. Every American, environmentalist, and human being needs to read this book.

[ػᶈᶏϾӗ]

Essential reading, especially for those in Lakota lands. I like Standing Bear. I like especially what he says in the last chapter. I think there is something alive in this book, to this day.