Native American Authors

Native American ancestors once told oral stories for younger generations to reflect upon. Now, Native American authors are doing the same, only now, are recording these stories for future generations. These authors have taken on a great responsibility by trying to preserve not only the stories but the culture as well. Instead of requiring parents to pass on stories that their loved ones passed to them, Beverly Hungry Wolf, Princess Red-Wing (also known as Mary Congdon), N. Scott Momaday, Alootook Ipellie, Ada E. Deer and so many others are recording these stories so they will forever be part of today’s Native American youth. From subjects of how bear lost his tail to why hummingbird beats his wings so fast, these stories are lessons learned by others and then taught to younger children so they will learn not to be as vain and as gullible as bear or as much in a hurry as hummingbird. Native American authors are ensuring the survival of their culture by recording the lessons learned. Through books we have found a way to combine the "white man’s” education and the teachings of our elders.