They Called Me Uncivilized

by Walter Littlemoon

"Walter Littlemoon’s memoir, They Called Me Uncivilized, is a call to awareness from within the heart of Wounded Knee. In telling his story, Littlemoon describes the impact federal Indian policies have had on his life and on the history of his family. He gives a rare view into the cruelty inflicted on generations of Native American children through the implementation of U.S. government boarding schools, which resulted in a muted truth, called Soul Wound by some. In addition, and for the first time, his narrative provides a resident’s view of the 1973 militant Occupation of Wounded Knee and the lasting impact that takeover has had on his community. His path toward a sense of peace and contentment is one he hopes others will follow. Remembering and telling the truth about traumatic events are prerequisites for healing.

Many books have been written by scholars describing one aspect or another of Native American life, their history, their spirituality, the 1973 occupation, and a few have tried to describe the boarding schools. None have connected the dots. Until the language of the everyday man is used, scholarly words will shut out the people they describe and the pathology created by federal Indian policy will continue."

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Native American, Memoir

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Anthony Frasier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an outstanding short read and an eye opening historical memoir.

[Debra Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

The is a heartfelt story of the trauma faced by Walter being taken from his family and placed in a boarding school, living through the relocation of the 50's, the Vietnam War of the 60's and & 70's as well as the occupation of Wound Knee in 73. His struggles with the cultural clash between being Lakota and mainstream America is raw and often brutally honest yet what Walter shares is a hope for restoration and healing through sharing his story. It's a book I would read again and one that should be a reading requirement in schools.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Coming in at only 93 pages, but producing a wonderful insight into reservation life in the mid-twentieth century. Fascinating insight into the occupation of Wounded Knee, rebuking some of the myths that surround that event. Highly recommended read....

[Anna Hawryluk · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful.

[Deevonna Frasier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be required reading in school. Eye-opening and heart wrenching. Narrative therapy at its finest.