Modern Indians and Traditions

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how Indian nations have attempted to maintain oral Indian traditions in various ways. The paper explains that the value of understanding the diversity and collective of the Indian culture is paramount to understanding the way in which modern Indians have resisted losing their native cultures. The paper also looks at how the language issue is addressed in nearly every Indian education system through a bilingual or submersion technique. The paper then points out that Reservations also serve as a center for the expression of ceremonies, dances, beliefs and customs.

From the Paper:

"Some Indian nations retained their oral traditions and handed down the seeds of this information to the later generations through a largely oral tradition. So, against all odds there are still Indians who understand their heritage and many modern movements have doggedly attempted to retell and transmit tradition to later generations and to others who are interested in this revival of heritage. The traditions of the past include many varied languages, beliefs, ceremonies, dances and customs. Each nation has made attempts to rekindle the expression of their cultures."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Discussion Forum Question: "What is Being an Indian To You?" http://www.indianz.com/board/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20632
• "Education consortium welcomes new tribal college members" Indian Country Today December 05, 2007 http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096416190
• Einhorn, Lois J. "Introduction." The Native American Oral Tradition: Voices of the Spirit and Soul. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2000. 1-10.
• "Language revitalization featured at education conference" Indian Country Today NP December 05, 2007 http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096416185
• McFarland, Ron. "Another Kind of Violence: Sherman Alexie's Poems." American Indian Quarterly 21.2 (1998): 251-264.

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