Goodbird the Indian

by Edward Goodbird, Gilbert Livingstone Wilson

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Genres: History

94 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1985

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently enjoyed and learned a lot from having read Waheenee by Wilson I thought Good Bird the Indian would be worthwhile as well. As this book had many of the same features of Waheenee it did not disappoint.

It provided a lot of information about aspects of Good Bird’s daily life as a member of the Hidatsa nation. Such things as how their earth lodges were constructed and lived in; family relations, including how children were disciplined; going on a buffalo hunt; and attending a missionary school, where he learned how to speak, read, and write English were presented. Their spiritual beliefs in sacred bundles, in the former lives of infants, and in having a separate lodge for the older members of the village were also discussed.

Equally important, however, was the manner in which the book disclosed how Good Bird made the transition from a traditional Hidatsa lifestyle to one where he converted to Christianity and adopted American farming practices. In the early 20th century by the age of 35 he was living in a log cabin where his wife was cooking on a stove, growing food and raising cattle on his own plot of land, and sending his children to a missionary school. Believing that the ‘Indian ways are doomed’ he opined it was necessary ‘to travel in the White Man’s ways.’

All of this was represented in a direct, readily readable, and yet still highly descriptive prose. As was the case with the book about Waheenee GBtI contained numerous illustrations done by the author’s brother. These enhanced my interest in the text. Finally, there was also a glossary of Indian terms at the beginning to assist the reader.

Thus, I recommend this book most highly for anyone wanting to learn about late 19th century life for a Northern Plains Native American who made the transition to a more mainstream American life.

[J. Boo]

Edward Goodbird was the son of Buffalo Bird Woman (Maxi'diwiac) and was the interpreter and illustrator for Buffalo Bird Woman's Garden (aka Agriculture of the Hidatsa Indians). I'm interested in historical agriculture practices and Indians, and loved BBWG. This is Goodbird's autobiography, as dictated to Gilbert Wilson.

[Henry Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and interesting.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read read and reviewed the audio copy for the library for the blind, which was a very interesting experience! It's very important to read the Forward to this book which explains some historically inaccurate portions of the book due to editing. I really loved reading about Goodbird's mother and parenting culture in his tribe. When he shot his mother with his homemade arrow, I gasped and thought he was in deeeeeep trouble. When his mother laughed, I did too, and I contemplated about how my children deserve my laughter and immediate forgiveness when they think they least deserve it.
I wish the book delved more into their religious customs because the tidbits provided were really interesting. Also their food. I was a little sad to see the progression of adopting "white man" customs because, too soon, I had to adjust from learning so much about their culture and wanting to learn more to reading things that were more familiar to me.
However, one thing I definitely lobe was that this book helped me develop a love and appreciation for another culture and an interest in seeking out more.

[ClareC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great info on how the Hidatsa lifestyle changes with the reservation and introduction of Christianity, but a show read.