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Native Roots: How the Indians Enriched America
“Gracefully written . . . thoroughly researched . . . America is a banquet prepared by the Indians—who were forgotten when it was time to give thanks at the table.”— St. Paul Pioneer-Express
“Well written, imagery-ridden . . . A tale of what was, what became, and what is today regarding the Indian relation to the European civilization that ‘grafted’ itself onto this ‘ancient stem’”— Minneapolis Star Tribune
In Indian Givers, anthropologist Jack Weatherford revealed how the cultural, social, and political practices of the American Indians transformed the world. In Native Roots, Weatherford focuses on the vital role Indian civilizations have played in the making of the United States.
Conventional American history holds that the white settlers of the New World re-created the societies they had known in England, France, and Spain. But, as Weatherford so brilliantly shows, Europeans in fact grafted their civilizations onto the deep and nourishing roots of Native American customs and beliefs. Beneath the glass-and-steel skyscrapers of contemporary Manhattan lies an Indian fur-trading post. Behind the tactics of modern guerrilla warfare are the lightning-fast maneuvers of the Plains Indians. Our place names, our farming and hunting techniques, our crafts, and the very blood that flows in our veins—all derive from American Indians in ways that we consistently fail to see. In Weatherford’s words, “Without understanding Native Americans, we will never know who we are today in America.”
“Well written, imagery-ridden . . . A tale of what was, what became, and what is today regarding the Indian relation to the European civilization that ‘grafted’ itself onto this ‘ancient stem’”— Minneapolis Star Tribune
In Indian Givers, anthropologist Jack Weatherford revealed how the cultural, social, and political practices of the American Indians transformed the world. In Native Roots, Weatherford focuses on the vital role Indian civilizations have played in the making of the United States.
Conventional American history holds that the white settlers of the New World re-created the societies they had known in England, France, and Spain. But, as Weatherford so brilliantly shows, Europeans in fact grafted their civilizations onto the deep and nourishing roots of Native American customs and beliefs. Beneath the glass-and-steel skyscrapers of contemporary Manhattan lies an Indian fur-trading post. Behind the tactics of modern guerrilla warfare are the lightning-fast maneuvers of the Plains Indians. Our place names, our farming and hunting techniques, our crafts, and the very blood that flows in our veins—all derive from American Indians in ways that we consistently fail to see. In Weatherford’s words, “Without understanding Native Americans, we will never know who we are today in America.”
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
75 people are currently reading
778 people want to read
About the author
Jack Weatherford
13 books740 followersJack McIver Weatherford is the DeWitt Wallace Professor of anthropology at Macalester College in Minnesota. He is best known for his 2004 book, Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of the Polar Star, and the Order of Genghis Khan in 2022, Mongolia’s two highest national honors. Moreover, he was honoured with the Order of the Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho by the Government of Bolivia in 2014.
His books in the late 20th century on the influence of Native American cultures have been translated into numerous languages. In addition to publishing chapters and reviews in academic books and journals, Weatherford has published numerous articles in national newspapers to popularize his historic and anthropological coverage of Native American cultures, as well as the American political culture in Congress in the 20th century. In recent years, he has concentrated on the Mongols by looking at their impact since the time that Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes in 1206.
His books in the late 20th century on the influence of Native American cultures have been translated into numerous languages. In addition to publishing chapters and reviews in academic books and journals, Weatherford has published numerous articles in national newspapers to popularize his historic and anthropological coverage of Native American cultures, as well as the American political culture in Congress in the 20th century. In recent years, he has concentrated on the Mongols by looking at their impact since the time that Genghis Khan united the Mongol tribes in 1206.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 19, 2011
I am interested in almost anything related to the First Peoples - as long as it's well-written. Native Roots captured my interest from almost the first paragraph.
Mr. Weatherford has done a great deal of research (as one would expect from a professor of anthropology). What could be a dry publication written for professionals in his field is presented in an easy-to-read manner.
Although most people know that many place names in the US are of Native origin, most people don't know that many words in the English language for things are also of Native origin; that some of our farming and hunting methods, and even some warfare tactics are also drawn from Native practices.
If you're as interested in the First Peoples as I am, this is a must-read.
Mr. Weatherford has done a great deal of research (as one would expect from a professor of anthropology). What could be a dry publication written for professionals in his field is presented in an easy-to-read manner.
Although most people know that many place names in the US are of Native origin, most people don't know that many words in the English language for things are also of Native origin; that some of our farming and hunting methods, and even some warfare tactics are also drawn from Native practices.
If you're as interested in the First Peoples as I am, this is a must-read.
March 29, 2009
One mark of a good book is that you just keep thinking about it in between the times you are actually reading it, and then again after you've read it. This is one of those books.
The inside cover of the book sums it up extremely well: "...foreigners 'grafted European society, language, and culture, onto an ancient stem" which is now America.
The combination of first reading Indian Givers by Weatherford and then Native Roots provides such a rich, detailed, and fair backdrop to the events of American history.
One great benefit to reading this book is that you really get a feel for what it's like to be a cultural anthropologist. I will never again travel to another part of the United States or any of the Americas without thinking about the Native American foundation that preceded the present day settlements.
The inside cover of the book sums it up extremely well: "...foreigners 'grafted European society, language, and culture, onto an ancient stem" which is now America.
The combination of first reading Indian Givers by Weatherford and then Native Roots provides such a rich, detailed, and fair backdrop to the events of American history.
One great benefit to reading this book is that you really get a feel for what it's like to be a cultural anthropologist. I will never again travel to another part of the United States or any of the Americas without thinking about the Native American foundation that preceded the present day settlements.
July 6, 2020
3 1/2 stars
December 16, 2020
Native Roots delves deeply into the cultures of the native tribes of the America, from the Inuits of the far north to the Incas of South America. Author Jack Weatherford examines aspects of their lives and civilizations from diet and housing, dress and transportation, with extensive sections devoted to the ways in which European settlers incorporated native elements into their new world - particularly when it came to their diet.
Weatherford also spends time education the reader on the ways in which native languages enriched English. Here, we have everything from kayak to raccoon, igloo to tobacco. Which is to say nothing of the continent's place names. My own town, Okemos, is named for an Ojibwe chief of the same name, and like every good Michigander, learned the meaning of Gitchee Gumee as a child.
Native Roots especially examines the contributions of individual Native Americans to "American" history and culture, from Pocahontas to the entirety of Henry Schoolcraft's in-laws. Although his approach is less in-depth than those of Peter Starks (Astoria) or Stephen Ambrose (Undaunted Courage) - both of whom focus less of their overall work on the contribution of the Indian guides, but go into greater detail when they do - the overall impact is far greater because Weatherford's approach is much broader and ultimately provides a better sense of the collective impact of Native Americans on "Americanizing" the continent.
As is frequently the case with non-fiction, the audience that will truly enjoy reading Native Roots is relatively s mall, but readers who love early American history, and certainly pre-United States history, should be quickly taken in.
Weatherford also spends time education the reader on the ways in which native languages enriched English. Here, we have everything from kayak to raccoon, igloo to tobacco. Which is to say nothing of the continent's place names. My own town, Okemos, is named for an Ojibwe chief of the same name, and like every good Michigander, learned the meaning of Gitchee Gumee as a child.
Native Roots especially examines the contributions of individual Native Americans to "American" history and culture, from Pocahontas to the entirety of Henry Schoolcraft's in-laws. Although his approach is less in-depth than those of Peter Starks (Astoria) or Stephen Ambrose (Undaunted Courage) - both of whom focus less of their overall work on the contribution of the Indian guides, but go into greater detail when they do - the overall impact is far greater because Weatherford's approach is much broader and ultimately provides a better sense of the collective impact of Native Americans on "Americanizing" the continent.
As is frequently the case with non-fiction, the audience that will truly enjoy reading Native Roots is relatively s mall, but readers who love early American history, and certainly pre-United States history, should be quickly taken in.
June 6, 2021
This was required reading "back in the day" when I began my master's program at Fort Hays State University. I decided to read it again and I really enjoyed it. Could not put it down. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Native Americans for their protection of the planet and scientific breakthroughs. A must read!
January 8, 2025
“Native Roots” is deep dive into the vast impact Native peoples have contributed to our world and are never given credit for by others. My people feed the world with foodstuffs we often developed genetically, have solutions to many diseases we confront in modern times, built structures as large or larger than those found in the “old world”, and continue to contribute artistically and conceptually to the human cause to this day! We have been often vilified and suffered unbelievable stereotypes, we have suffered genicide, been ridiculed, and called a variety of fowl things but the one thing Europeans have failed to do to us is deny the contributions our people have made to make better all of our lives. This book addressed these issues in a positive light for Native peoples and that is all we ever wanted!
February 7, 2025
An interesting and sympathetic account of the influence of native American culture on white immigrant culture, but somewhat uneven in the scholarship and reasoning. I particularly liked the chapter on language, and also learned more about several important figures like Tammany and Tecumseh. Other chapters varied from overlong to cringy.
The one glaring issue is the absence of native voices in this, and the hubris of a white anthropologist representing native culture. He clearly didn't get the memo on "Nothing about us without us" that I regularly hear from my POC colleagues - I suppose that is a function of when this was written, but that doesn't make it okay.
The one glaring issue is the absence of native voices in this, and the hubris of a white anthropologist representing native culture. He clearly didn't get the memo on "Nothing about us without us" that I regularly hear from my POC colleagues - I suppose that is a function of when this was written, but that doesn't make it okay.
October 17, 2024
Essentially a collection of essays on the various and sometimes surprising ways in which Native American life and tradition have impacted our culture today. Your mileage may vary with these, I found some to be fairly simple and not that substantive (yeah, big centers for trade 200 years ago led to people continuing to trade there), and others to be really fascinating, especially the one about native impacts on the English language. I definitely think the concept might be a bit better than the sum of its parts here but an interesting read nonetheless.
January 18, 2025
I found many interesting stories and facts about the native peoples in this country we call America. Weatherford brings together so many ways that our nation , culture and language have been enhanced by the native Americans and their unique language and culture. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history, language and wants to understand more about how the white and native cultures have connected over time.
March 28, 2018
An Enriching Read
This book is obviously well researched. It gives a very different view of native history than many students of the 1950's through 1970's were taught in school. Well worth the time to explore this information packed read! I learned a lot, understood some things better and left with a desire to delve deeper... Always the signs of a good book!!!
This book is obviously well researched. It gives a very different view of native history than many students of the 1950's through 1970's were taught in school. Well worth the time to explore this information packed read! I learned a lot, understood some things better and left with a desire to delve deeper... Always the signs of a good book!!!
February 3, 2024
A book of American History and Hope.
Knowing our factual history of all North and South America can focus minds and abilities to construct a realistic future society. A society where all can share and prosper. Prosperity exceeding our biggest imagination. Not just for me, but for you too..
Knowing our factual history of all North and South America can focus minds and abilities to construct a realistic future society. A society where all can share and prosper. Prosperity exceeding our biggest imagination. Not just for me, but for you too..
December 16, 2017
Dry at times, but very informative. It opened my eyes to how much we owe to Native Americans and whetted my curiosity to find out more.
December 31, 2019
A bit tedious but still interesting and important.
May 4, 2024
This was required reading for an anthropology class years ago and was surprisingly informative and interesting.
November 19, 2024
A great follow up to Indian Givers.
1998 Globe, AZ
1998 Globe, AZ
July 30, 2022
really enjoyed reading about all of the ways that indigenous culture affects how we live today in ways that I would have never thought about. It also is very thought provoking in terms of the relationships between race/class/language, and honestly in many other ways. would highly recommend
February 10, 2017
Hundreds of years ago, Europeans descended upon America, seeking wealth, resources, and freedom. Wow!, they said, look at all this empty land, naturally beautiful. It's got all these great trees and buffalo and horses. A few natives here and there, but they're basically just animals. They're ignorant, and not doing anything useful with the land.
This is still the history, as far as a lot of people are concerned. This book explains that the land wasn't lush and beautiful just because that's how it was, but because there have been generations of natives tending and maintaining the land, building it up. They knew what they were doing. They knew the territory. They knew the animals. Many of the white settlers depended on the natives to teach them. A lot of things we depend on now and take for granted have native roots.
This book is very "earthy." I could almost taste the wind and feel the dirt under my bare feet. The author has incredible grasp of language that really makes everything come to life. Here's my favorite passage, which captures what I'm talking about perfectly:
Despite the incredible writing, I found myself having trouble staying interested. Actually, I was usually pretty bored with it. It's no fault of the author. I just think I'm not the target audience for it.
This is still the history, as far as a lot of people are concerned. This book explains that the land wasn't lush and beautiful just because that's how it was, but because there have been generations of natives tending and maintaining the land, building it up. They knew what they were doing. They knew the territory. They knew the animals. Many of the white settlers depended on the natives to teach them. A lot of things we depend on now and take for granted have native roots.
This book is very "earthy." I could almost taste the wind and feel the dirt under my bare feet. The author has incredible grasp of language that really makes everything come to life. Here's my favorite passage, which captures what I'm talking about perfectly:
At the Santa Barbara Mission, before the sun rises and before the noisy traffic begins the daily commute down the mountain to work in the town below, a visitor can almost hear the whispered groans of the thousands of Chumash who lie buried in unmarked graves in the mission graveyard. The mission exudes an eerie quiet in the early-morning stillness. The night fog recedes back toward the ocean after providing the meager moisture for the imported trees and plants that suck droplets of mist from the damp night air. The lingering fog obscures the rising sun, making it hard to tell exactly when day begins, but gradually light descends and the rays mop up the air to reveal a spectacular view of the town and and ocean below.
Despite the incredible writing, I found myself having trouble staying interested. Actually, I was usually pretty bored with it. It's no fault of the author. I just think I'm not the target audience for it.
July 31, 2013
While the book is, as the cover says, thoroughly researched, it does leave one wanting a bit. Not sure exactly for what - possibly more of a human character to the narrative?
Also, I sometimes feel as if Mr. Weatherford was stretching a bit to make his argument. Yes, many place names and words are based on Native American languages, but isn't that the way of any conquering army? I mean, the Mongols didn't change all of the Middle East place names to Mongolian words. What I mean is that it is not a uniquely Native American practice to give their place names to another language.
What he excels at are the more recent descriptions of how robber barons and anthropologists rested on the sweat and toil of the Native Americans. The chapter I enjoyed most was the story of Schoolcraft and his Obijawa wife, and then his subsequent white wife. Now that is the subject of a novel...
I did enjoy reading this, though, and, in conjunction with other books on Native American history, makes for a broader understanding of our US history.
Also, I sometimes feel as if Mr. Weatherford was stretching a bit to make his argument. Yes, many place names and words are based on Native American languages, but isn't that the way of any conquering army? I mean, the Mongols didn't change all of the Middle East place names to Mongolian words. What I mean is that it is not a uniquely Native American practice to give their place names to another language.
What he excels at are the more recent descriptions of how robber barons and anthropologists rested on the sweat and toil of the Native Americans. The chapter I enjoyed most was the story of Schoolcraft and his Obijawa wife, and then his subsequent white wife. Now that is the subject of a novel...
I did enjoy reading this, though, and, in conjunction with other books on Native American history, makes for a broader understanding of our US history.
April 27, 2011
Really good overview of how there is so much in our modern society, in social structure, food, language, and more, that we owe to the people who lived on this continent before invaders/settlers decimated their populations through disease and war. Concepts of governing and democracy, so many words we use daily, and so much more originated with them. Really good author, professor at Macalester, author of Indian Giver, two books on Mongols, and other books, too.
February 3, 2012
Expanded my understanding of Native culture and gave me a greater appreciation of how Native people's truly shaped America. I especially enjoyed the chapters on language and place names. Wish I had been able to find more info on Weatherford. I'm a little suspect on how his research is viewed by Native peoples. Couldn't find any record of him on oyate, which is my go-to resource for best Native reading/reference.
May 5, 2012
This is a very good beginning of trying to untangle Truth from perception (I know perception is truth, so notice I spelled truth with a capital 'T') in the gifts given to our modern world by indigenous peoples. If you liked this book you should definitely read Craig Childs "House of Rain"...there is much more work that needs to be done in this area but Jack Weatherford has laid a good foundation. If you know only what you think you know from movies and TV, read this book.
December 25, 2010
How did the Indians enrich America? White America owes them place names such as Seattle, the help they gave to the explorers and early settlers, the labor done by Indian slaves (of whom there were quite a few in the 19th century and before, though not as many as of African slaves), the hunting and fishing techniques the white pioneers borrowed from them.
August 25, 2008
I read this one a few years ago, as I remember it did offer some really good insight to my understanding of Native Americans, but I also remember thinking it was a rather dry read.
October 28, 2008
Interesting and well written. Gives evidence for the Native American influence on the landscape and on later inhabitants.
July 12, 2012
I love Jack Weatherford's books. It would be such a privelege to take one of his classes.
May 10, 2013
Mind blowing
January 24, 2014
Interesting facts, a little too much description of places, and the book felt a little dated.
Read
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April 29, 2017
Some very interesting information. Will read again
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews