Essential Native Wisdom

by Carol Kelly-Gangi (editor)

Quotations from Sitting Bull, Wilma Mankiller, N. Scott Momaday, and many more.Essential Native Wisdom gathers hundreds of powerful quotations from an extraordinary group of people from the mid-1700s to the present day. There are excerpts from political and spiritual leaders; writers and poets; activists and artists; warriors and statesmen; scholars and historians; actors and athletes; and musicians and orators. It’s a wide-ranging collection that is enlightening and engaging—and provides a testament to the spirit of strength, endurance, and hope. Sitting Bull eloquently reveals the devastating hardship his people endured at the hands of the white leaders who sought to destroy their way of lifeWinona LaDuke vividly recalls traditions from her people, passed down from generation to generationElizabeth Peratrovich speaks passionately about the freedoms that are guaranteed to Native people under the Bill of Rights, and more

Genres: Philosophy

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2021

Reviews

[LaSheba Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! A short collection of wise and insightful quotes from various thought leaders in the Native American Indian community. It covers topics such as, politics, racism, literature, reservation life, and spirituality. There are also quotes from the Navajo Code Talkers.



🌷Book Quotes:

"[We] Indians think of the earth and the whole universe as a never-ending circle and in this circle man is just another animal."

"My grandmother was a very strong woman who loved to read and her example has always reminded me to respect all women."

"The Indian is depicted as a savage and the White man as a good Samaritan."

[Daughter of Paper and Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some beautiful quotes in here that ring true to a lot of my grandfather and my mother’s mentors used to say.

I think it is wonderful that to some semblance- which is very tattered and distraught - some writings by American Indians survived in the United States and Canada.

In my home country we had almost none. By the time my grandfather was a boy his tribe had been decimated by being either killed, married off or displaced. His parents were lucky enough to be a love match having married not only to save his mother from far worse terrors but because they had know each other as kids and had always planned to be together.

My grandfather did his best to pass down the traditions of his childhood. But liking or not something’s got lost. Especially in a family as big and mixed as mine.

It is always nice to see, however, that others have lived on passing down their knowledge to their children. I wish that had been the case for my family.

4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Clark Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly refreshing to read a book of wisdom from the Native American perspective. One of my favorite quotes from the book is from Chief White Eagle, " Whatever your occupation while in your physical body, remember it is a form of service. However humble or even humdrum your work may be to you, it is your special appointment, and through your work on Earth you can make your contribution to the happiness of all."

[Paula Nwosu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential Native Wisdom opened my mind. I was unaware of some historical context of the Native American condition, just aware of my feelings - that Native Americans are the forefront of this country, the United States, and own this land. Although the United States is considered a melting pot, I wonder if it's because of the diversity that is here or whether this idea is representative of what the U.S actually is. This book was truly food for thought. I will reference this book time and time again.

[Magdelene (Ambria) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi, this work is a collection of quotes teaching everything from Native American spiritual concepts to the struggle for equality in the U.S.

Though this is a small volume, the gold resides in the Contributors List (pgs. 113-128). This section of the book contains prominent Native Americans. Researching their stories will both change and humble you.

[John A]

Amazing collection of quotes from a wide range of political, noteworthy and historical Native Americans. Refreshing reading their unfiltered comments and opinions.

Definitely makes you embarrassed, as an American, and angry on how horribly they were and continue to be dismissed, cheated and lied to by the American government.

[Aiyana Gratzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and imperfect collection.

[Angela Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring quotes. I became very emotional and did highlight my favorite ones that resonated with me. I bought the physical book and I'm glad that I picked it up at Barnes and nobles. Also winona laDuke came to my college and spoke about the activism work she has done. She spoke about the fight with museums and having to convince them legally to return artifacts and human remains back to their families. Very impactful work and since then I have tried to keep myself updated on the legal issues Native American Nations face with the US government

[Jordan Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful quotes. Definitely putting this on a coffee table in 5 years.