People of the Blue Water : A Record of the Life Among the Walapai and Havasupai Indians

by Flora Gregg Iliff

Back in Print!

"Sketches the history and culture of the Tucson area Yaqui and contains case studies of a number of the informants. What constituted 'Yaquiness' in Pascua was mainly a common language, a shared historical tradition, and an aberrant form of Catholic Christianity laced with Yaqui concepts. This clearly and concisely written book is very important in its own terms as an early example of the use of life histories in ethnology and as a significant contribution to Yaqui studies."—Choice

"Spicer's methodology included biography as a means to better understand Yaqui behaviors, choices, and attitudes about others. . . . Marvelously written and should benefit a diverse readership."—Explorations in Sights and Sounds

Genres: Native American, Nonfiction, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1985

Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down. I admired the author's adventurous spirit and respect for other cultures, particularly given the time in which it was written. I expected to encounter much more superiority than I found, but instead was grateful for the author's obvious and sincere care for the people she came to know while teaching in the "Indian" schools. I was constantly amazed that I was reading of the experiences of a 17-year-old (at least, in the beginning), based on her own letters from that time. The maturity demonstrated is something I would only expect from someone much older.

The book is packed with story after incredible story. The author's short trip in the dead of summer to the confluence of the Havasu and Colorado rivers, where the author suffers a scary brush with heat stroke; the frantic attempts to find high ground during a flash flood in Havasu canyon; the deeply touching story of the Walapai family who loses their young son to illness and mourns him in the tribe's Nemitiawak ceremony; the way unsuccessful medicine men were dealt with by the chief of the Havasupai; the secret exit from Havasu canyon; the burial area near Mooney Falls; the ill-fated hydropower plant at Mooney Falls...

Perhaps because I have previously camped in Havasu canyon and seen the sparkling blue water, these stories were more meaningful to me. The two most lasting impressions were those of a thoughtful young woman who enthusiastically embraced the land and people of northern Arizona, and a sense of loss from watching the rich and beautiful cultures of the Walapai and Havasupai be overtaken by white/Western ways.

[Laura Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an extremely interesting read. It is an account of a teacher sent by the government to teach the The Havasupai and Walipai tribes during the early 1900's. While the author is sympathetic to the Native's plight of having their entire world controlled by the white government, the author is still somewhat biased. She has an obvious interest in the Native's traditions while still assuming that they are ignorant in many ways. She did ignore some orders from her superiors such as insisting that the children only speak English and there is no talk of corporal punishment. And the author clearly finds the children and the people endearing. A good read for those who want a glimpse into this poorly understood people's world.

[Leanna Manuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book on my shelf for years. As I was packing to move to the southwest I came across it and decided that it was a perfect time to put it at the top of my "to-read" list. I'm very glad that I did. My primary complaint with the book is that it was too short. I wanted to know so much more - about the Native American people and customs and about the author and her motivations and experiences. The author's ability to evoke that sense of wonder and curiosity is a testament to both the subject matter and her writing style.

There were times when I was horrified by some of the customs and found it difficult to keep reading. While episodes of what I would call extreme cruelty were explained with the culture and zietgeist, it didn't make it any more palatable. On the other hand, there are certainly positive lessons to be learned as well.

The book was highly readable, and is really a compilation of events that were shared in letters with the author's family. I could easily imagine these tales being retold in social gatherings and probably gaining a life of their own. I can only imagine what a mother far away must have thought about these adventures. I know there were times when I certainly was waiting with bated breath for the outcome.

Descriptions of the scenery transported me back to my visits at the Grand Canyon and made me long for another trip. Live vicariously - read the book.

[Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I currently live within about 30 miles of where some of this story played out. The school building in Valentine is still standing, though vacant. So it was interesting to be able to get some of the history that way. There's always a fascinating sense of temporal overlay for me when I read historical accounts of real places, particularly those which haven't changed much since the history was present.

The style is engaging and direct, and moves at a good pace. There's a hint of condescension in some places, as well as ethnocentricity, but overall the voice and narrative is one of respect - at least, as much respect as one can find in an educated Christian who spent a few crucial early years surrounded by ambassadors of a radically different culture.

I bought my copy of this book in Peach Springs, and the part that troubles me the most about it is that the tribe doesn't seem to have any other written historical account of their roots to offer except one from a Caucasian. Nevertheless, worth reading.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eye opening first-person account of the treatment of our native peoples in the surprisingly recent past. I was surprised to realize that this reservation was located in an area that I drove through on my trip to Utah in 2010. Reminds me of the depressed and dirty swatches of prairie in South Dakota where people are living in extreme poverty - They don't even have stores or schools. Hard to imagine places like this in the U.S., but they are out there.

[Mew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not a book I would have chosen to read [received it as part of a book swap] but I was pleasantly surprised. A thought provoking read made all the more fascinating by the fact it was written about the author's experience 100 years ago. Interesting to note how things might have changed and possibly will prompt me to seek out more modern accounts of this area of North America.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feared that this might focus on the efforts of the missionaries to convert the native Americans, but I was pleasantly surprised to read about a strong young woman who seemed to enjoy the people she met and saw them as individuals.

[Debra R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully well written book about the early days of school for the Walapai and Havasupai Indians.
Mrs. Iliff shares her experiences of life with the two clans. It would have been so interesting to see and be part of the daily lives, and to see the children learn of new ways. She handled teaching new ideas and accepting old ways so well. Very enjoyable read.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read with a bit of insight into several Native American cultures from the point of view of a female teacher appointed by the government to teach and live among them.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about a teacher who rode the train from Oklahoma to Supai in early 1900s and
worked with the different tribes for many years. First hand story - fascinating read.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting description of the tribe and the history from an actual teacher at that time