Native America Today: A Guide to Community Politics and Culture

by Barry M. Pritzker

Overview

Using an organizational scheme unique among reference works, Native America Today presents 13 "mini-chapters" on individual topics (e.g., "Crafts," "Media," "Representation"), each of which gives an overview of the subject and provides case studies that relate the topic to recent events in select tribal groups.

The second major section of the work is devoted to contemporary profiles of tribes and tribal groups, from Apache to Zuni, including a brief history of each, population and geographic data, form of government, and notable leaders.

A general index covers both major sections, making this guide supremely accessible. The text is further enhanced by black and white illustrations and an extensive documents section.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781576070772
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/17/1999
Pages:	453
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 1.06(d)

About the Author

Barry Pritzker is a professional writer specializing in American history and college writing.

Editorial Reviews

This work will serve as a basic tool for those researching the current status of Native American affairs. It will be useful in school, undergraduate, and public libraries.” —American Reference Books Annual

“For audiences requiring in depth information or case studies on any of the issues that are addressed, this is an excellent source … Recommended for public, high school, and academic libraries.” —Booklist

“Recommended for public and academic libraries, particularly those with strong Native American collections.” —Library Jourbanal

“…this volume is distinctive in its focus on contemporary issues and their influence exclusively on the daily lives of Native American people … certain to be indispensable for any academic or public library interested in Native American studies … It will make a valuable addition to just about any collection and is highly recommended.” —Reference & User Services Quarterly

“Native America Today is an excellent resource, including a full bibliography [and] a key to other resources on Native American studies … [It] is an excellent, balanced, comprehensive resource.” —The Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

Taking into account the complexities of a range of issues facing Native Americans in North America, Pritzker (a contributing author to Dictionary of American Biography) performs a masterful service by attempting to make sense of the realities of Native life. The heart of the book is Pritzker's look at contemporary issues, including economic development, education, gaming, health, identity, land (re)acquisition, sacred sites, and sovereignty. After summarizing each issue, he offers an in-depth analysis using several tribal examples to underscore the issue. The pervading theme is the contrast between Native traditions and the harsh realities of modern-day life. Pritzker occasionally oversimplifies--his brief look at Navajo and Hopi relocation, for example, needs more balanced and nuanced treatment. Although he sometimes omits supporting evidence, on the whole, his work rings true. Recommended for public and academic libraries, particularly those with strong Native American collections.--William Kenz, Moorhead State Univ. Lib., MN Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Compiles information on contemporary reservation-based political, social, economic, and cultural concerns such as education, health, tribal identity, sacred sites, and sovereignty. Among the topics are subsistence rights, battles for tribes to control their own natural resources, advances in education from community schools to universities, the craft revival and Internet marketing by remote communities, the positive and negative aspects of casino gambling, communication media, and intertribal politics. Also profiles selected tribes and presents the texts of key documents. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews