My published works including: “The Indians of North Florida” (non-fiction, legal/social history), Backintyme Publishing 2010; “Belles of the Creek Nation” (non-fiction, history, Backintyme Publishing 2016); “The Cherokee Paradox” (non-fiction, history/genetics, Backintyme Publishing 2016); The Redbone Chronicles (non-fiction, anthology, identity, Backintyme Publishing 2016) “We Will Always Be Here: Native Peoples on Living and Thriving in the South” Hardcover – May 3, 2016 (edited by Denise E. Bates), Contributing Author (peer reviewed), Anthology, University of Florida Press 2014...
The Belles of the Creek Nation
(American Bred) Paperback – December 19, 2015 by Christopher Hodalee Scott Sewell (Author), Scott Withrow (Foreword) Belles of The Creek Nation is an innovative and modern perspective investigating the problematic linkages between preservation of cultural heritage, maintaining cultural diversity, defining and establishing cultural citizenship, and ancient tribal rite of passage. It is the first publication to address the notions of cultural diversity among Mixed Blood heritage, tribal culture and sacred rights of the people, all in one book. The relationships and heritage presented provides the basis of humanity's rich cultural diversity among descendants of remnant Indian clans. While there is considerable literature dealing separately with cultural diversity, cultural heritage and tribal rights, this book distinctively presents contemporary relevance in focusing on the intersection between these concepts. Sewell presents the cultural diversity, heritage, citizenship and tribal rights; and establishes a fresh approach that will interest students, descendants and practitioners alike exposing a new and fresh perspective for future work and genealogical study in the Mixed blood Indian heritage of America. "Your blood will mix with ours; and will spread with ours, over this great island…The ultimate point of rest and happiness for (Indians and Americans ) is to let our settlements and theirs meet and blend together, to intermix, and become one people." -Excerpted from a letter written by President Thomas Jefferson to United States Indian Agent to the Creek Nation, Benjamin Hawkins, to relay to Creek leaders, February 18 1803 "Scott Sewell has written the saga of our diverse heritage bringing to light the relationships and powerful influence of the Countrymen within the Native American life , sharing details of the sacred rituals passed down for generations. We are not a lost people but have been hidden in plain sight in our closed communities and clan marriages. There has been a great awakening and now Scott has brought our history out of the darkness and is shining the light on the heritage, lives and struggles of our people in Belles of The Creek Nation." Marilyn Baggett Kobliaka, Redbone Descendant, of the Doyle & Hill Families, Author & Family Historian "Belles of the Creek Nation is a richly detailed narrative of the complex web of interrelated Native American Creek families. Both exciting to read and edifying in content, Sewell has brought to light a little explored area of history with a meticulous eye for detail and flowing writing style. A great addition to the library!" says Lars Adams, Author and Independent Researcher "Christopher does a great job of blending introspective genealogy with objective history. I especially liked the last chapter. The tension between tribal leaders wanting to restrict membership (or even expel members) when slicing the pie of financial benefits from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, on the one hand, versus the avalanche of non-clan members seeking (or even demanding) Indian self-identity, on the other, is fascinating. I get the impression that if you ask three random tribal leaders what defines a "true Indian" you will get four conflicting opinions." Frank W. Sweet, History of the U.S. Colorline
We Will Always Be Here: Native Peoples on Living and Thriving in the South (Anthology) Hardcover , May 7, 2016 Edited by Denise E. Bates
“The Southeastern Indian people found their voices in this work. They are alive and well—still on their land!”—Hiram F. Gregory, coauthor of The Historic Indian Tribes of Louisiana: From 1542 to the Present “This collection fills a major void in our understanding of recent southern history by offering a wide-ranging selection of southern Indians a chance to speak for themselves, unfiltered, as they strike at the heart of identity: Indian identity, southern identity, and, ultimately, American identity.”—Greg O’Brien, editor of Pre-removal Choctaw History: Exploring New Paths The history of Native Americans in the U.S. South is a turbulent one, rife with conflict and inequality. Since the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the fifteenth century, Native peoples have struggled to maintain their land, cultures, and ways of life. In We Will Always Be Here, contemporary tribal leaders, educators, and activists share their struggles for Indian identity, self-determination, and community development. Reflecting on such issues as poverty, education, racism, cultural preservation, and tribal sovereignty, the contributors to this volume offer a glimpse into the historical struggles of southern Native peoples, examine their present-day efforts, and share their hopes for the future. They also share examples of cultural practices that have either endured or been revitalized. In a country that still faces challenges to civil rights and misconceptions about Indian identity and tribal sovereignty, this timely book builds a deeper understanding of modern Native peoples within a region where they are often overlooked.
The Cherokee Paradox: Identity and Genetics in Indian Country
A look into the unfolding phenomenon of the “Cherokee Paradox”; in which thousands of enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes find upon receiving results of their DNA tests of ancestral continental origins that they have no identifiable Native American ancestry. In this work the author examines issues related to race, identity, and the impact of the new frontier of genetics on the Native American identity, the Cherokee people and “Indian Country” as a whole. Release spring of 2016 I think we have so much to explore in this area, we need more to research and write , especially as identity and issues surrounding it continue to grow in import socially.
The Belles of the Creek Nation
(American Bred) Paperback – December 19, 2015
by Christopher Hodalee Scott Sewell (Author), Scott Withrow (Foreword)
Belles of The Creek Nation is an innovative and modern perspective investigating the problematic linkages between preservation of cultural heritage, maintaining cultural diversity, defining and establishing cultural citizenship, and ancient tribal rite of passage. It is the first publication to address the notions of cultural diversity among Mixed Blood heritage, tribal culture and sacred rights of the people, all in one book. The relationships and heritage presented provides the basis of humanity's rich cultural diversity among descendants of remnant Indian clans. While there is considerable literature dealing separately with cultural diversity, cultural heritage and tribal rights, this book distinctively presents contemporary relevance in focusing on the intersection between these concepts. Sewell presents the cultural diversity, heritage, citizenship and tribal rights; and establishes a fresh approach that will interest students, descendants and practitioners alike exposing a new and fresh perspective for future work and genealogical study in the Mixed blood Indian heritage of America.
"Your blood will mix with ours; and will spread with ours, over this great island…The ultimate point of rest and happiness for (Indians and Americans ) is to let our settlements and theirs meet and blend together, to intermix, and become one people." -Excerpted from a letter written by President Thomas Jefferson to United States Indian Agent to the Creek Nation, Benjamin Hawkins, to relay to Creek leaders, February 18 1803 "Scott Sewell has written the saga of our diverse heritage bringing to light the relationships and powerful influence of the Countrymen within the Native American life , sharing details of the sacred rituals passed down for generations. We are not a lost people but have been hidden in plain sight in our closed communities and clan marriages. There has been a great awakening and now Scott has brought our history out of the darkness and is shining the light on the heritage, lives and struggles of our people in Belles of The Creek Nation."
Marilyn Baggett Kobliaka, Redbone Descendant, of the Doyle & Hill Families, Author & Family Historian "Belles of the Creek Nation is a richly detailed narrative of the complex web of interrelated Native American Creek families. Both exciting to read and edifying in content, Sewell has brought to light a little explored area of history with a meticulous eye for detail and flowing writing style. A great addition to the library!" says Lars Adams, Author and Independent Researcher "Christopher does a great job of blending introspective genealogy with objective history. I especially liked the last chapter. The tension between tribal leaders wanting to restrict membership (or even expel members) when slicing the pie of financial benefits from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, on the one hand, versus the avalanche of non-clan members seeking (or even demanding) Indian self-identity, on the other, is fascinating. I get the impression that if you ask three random tribal leaders what defines a "true Indian" you will get four conflicting opinions." Frank W. Sweet, History of the U.S. Colorline
We Will Always Be Here: Native Peoples on Living and Thriving in the South (Anthology) Hardcover , May 7, 2016 Edited by Denise E. Bates
“The Southeastern Indian people found their voices in this work. They are alive and well—still on their land!”—Hiram F. Gregory, coauthor of The Historic Indian Tribes of Louisiana: From 1542 to the Present
“This collection fills a major void in our understanding of recent southern history by offering a wide-ranging selection of southern Indians a chance to speak for themselves, unfiltered, as they strike at the heart of identity: Indian identity, southern identity, and, ultimately, American identity.”—Greg O’Brien, editor of Pre-removal Choctaw History: Exploring New Paths
The history of Native Americans in the U.S. South is a turbulent one, rife with conflict and inequality. Since the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the fifteenth century, Native peoples have struggled to maintain their land, cultures, and ways of life. In We Will Always Be Here, contemporary tribal leaders, educators, and activists share their struggles for Indian identity, self-determination, and community development.
Reflecting on such issues as poverty, education, racism, cultural preservation, and tribal sovereignty, the contributors to this volume offer a glimpse into the historical struggles of southern Native peoples, examine their present-day efforts, and share their hopes for the future. They also share examples of cultural practices that have either endured or been revitalized. In a country that still faces challenges to civil rights and misconceptions about Indian identity and tribal sovereignty, this timely book builds a deeper understanding of modern Native peoples within a region where they are often overlooked.
The Cherokee Paradox: Identity and Genetics in Indian Country
A look into the unfolding phenomenon of the “Cherokee Paradox”; in which thousands of enrolled members of federally recognized Indian tribes find upon receiving results of their DNA tests of ancestral continental origins that they have no identifiable Native American ancestry. In this work the author examines issues related to race, identity, and the impact of the new frontier of genetics on the Native American identity, the Cherokee people and “Indian Country” as a whole. Release spring of 2016
I think we have so much to explore in this area, we need more to research and write , especially as identity and issues surrounding it continue to grow in import socially.