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Native people from what is now Michigan had seashells in their garments that came from what is now Florida, and copper from Michigan was used by the American Indian peoples of Florida. Trade routes were in existence throughout what is now called North America for thousands of years before the mass European immigration to this land. Thus the idea of trading/buying is nothing new for Native people. So....
This section of Native Circle is how we keep the lights on, but it is more than that. We offer cultural lessons alongside music, books and other items that you can purchase via their links to our other sites. Much of what we offer comes from John Two-Hawks, who is the founder of Native Circle and the provider of all the content for this site. But whenever we can, we will also showcase other Indigenous artists and products. For example, we have taken the time to review and recommend American Indian related books to you. With so many books on America's shelves that contain incorrect and damaging information about the history, culture and customs of Indian people, we believe it is necessary to direct readers to books that are authentic and correct. So take a scroll, learn a bit, and make a 'trade' with us! Thanks!
This section of Native Circle is how we keep the lights on, but it is more than that. We offer cultural lessons alongside music, books and other items that you can purchase via their links to our other sites. Much of what we offer comes from John Two-Hawks, who is the founder of Native Circle and the provider of all the content for this site. But whenever we can, we will also showcase other Indigenous artists and products. For example, we have taken the time to review and recommend American Indian related books to you. With so many books on America's shelves that contain incorrect and damaging information about the history, culture and customs of Indian people, we believe it is necessary to direct readers to books that are authentic and correct. So take a scroll, learn a bit, and make a 'trade' with us! Thanks!
Music
Music, song and dance has long been an integral part of Native cultures. First there was the voice. Then came the rasp. After that came the rattle, the drum and the flute. Indigenous music all has a sacred center. You cannot separate the American Indian from the Spirit. The two are truly one in the same. Therefore, any music or song which is performed by a Native person will always have the indelible nuance of Spirit contained within. Having said that, there are old songs which are considered sacred, and those songs are for praying and ceremony. So you will not, with a few rare exceptions, find recordings of these old ceremonial songs for sale. But suffice it to say that most, if not all, contemporary traditional style Native music albums will have spiritual undertones. In old times music, song and dance was a way to pray. The same is still true today. When Native people dance, that dance is an expression of spirituality. It is sacred. The drum, the songs, they too are sacred. The regalia worn by the dancers is sacred as well. So when you hear contemporary Native music, know that it too has a sacred heart, and that those songs, though not the old ceremonials, honor and speak of Spirit....
Books
A LOT of books have been written about Native culture, history and peoples. We prefer books written by Indigenous authors. That is not to say that there aren't great books written on Native topics by non-Indian authors; there are, and we have included some of those here as well. Having said that, there is no better vantage point for understanding than from the source. No one can comprehend the subtle nuances of the American Indian experience better than the person who is American Indian and has walked in those shoes and lived it. Thus the list of our recommended books will be predominantly by Native authors.
"To Make a Voice - Native Flute Lessons and Wisdom"
By John Two-Hawks - Oglala Lakota
What lies between the covers of this book is a total immersion into the lessons, wisdom, healing power and deep cultural meaning hidden within the sacred voice of all Native flutes - all from the Indigenous perspective. Anyone who loves the flute will come away from this book with a new appreciation and respect for the powerful instrument known as the Native American flute. But like Jonathan Livingston Seagull, this humble book transcends itself, and takes the reader on a cultural journey which only begins and ends with the Native flute.
By John Two-Hawks - Oglala Lakota
What lies between the covers of this book is a total immersion into the lessons, wisdom, healing power and deep cultural meaning hidden within the sacred voice of all Native flutes - all from the Indigenous perspective. Anyone who loves the flute will come away from this book with a new appreciation and respect for the powerful instrument known as the Native American flute. But like Jonathan Livingston Seagull, this humble book transcends itself, and takes the reader on a cultural journey which only begins and ends with the Native flute.
"Good Medicine - Finding Inner Balance and Healing Through Indigenous Wisdom"
By John Two-Hawks - Oglala Lakota
Originally written to accompany the CD by the same name, this book has since transcended its beginnings. It explores 14 thoughts on life, wisdom, balance and purposeful living, all from an Indigenous perspective. A great insight into the world view of a contemporary American Indian person viewing the modern world through the lens of Native perspective.
By John Two-Hawks - Oglala Lakota
Originally written to accompany the CD by the same name, this book has since transcended its beginnings. It explores 14 thoughts on life, wisdom, balance and purposeful living, all from an Indigenous perspective. A great insight into the world view of a contemporary American Indian person viewing the modern world through the lens of Native perspective.
"Red Earth, White Lies"
By Vine Deloria Jr. PhD - Oglala Lakota
This book should be required reading in all high schools and universities. Deloria masterfully challenges and effectively discredits the widely accepted but grossly inaccurate scientific theories of evolution, radiocarbon dating techniques, and the Bering Strait migration hoax. This book is for anyone who seeks the truth.
By Vine Deloria Jr. PhD - Oglala Lakota
This book should be required reading in all high schools and universities. Deloria masterfully challenges and effectively discredits the widely accepted but grossly inaccurate scientific theories of evolution, radiocarbon dating techniques, and the Bering Strait migration hoax. This book is for anyone who seeks the truth.
"Crazy Horse - Strange Man of the Oglalas"
By Mari Sandoz
In his forward in the newly revised edition of this incredible book, Vine Deloria Jr. goes to great lengths to validate this literary work as one of the most accurate accounts ever written of the life of the 3rd generation, and most famous, Tasunke Witko - Crazy Horse, who was called Curly, or Light Haired Boy in his early years due to his light hair, grey eyes and fair complexion. Crazy Horse was 100% Lakota, and had a spiritual power, hence the term 'strange man of the Oglalas'. This book is a fabulous insight into the life of this quiet and humble, yet fierce leader of the Lakota.
By Mari Sandoz
In his forward in the newly revised edition of this incredible book, Vine Deloria Jr. goes to great lengths to validate this literary work as one of the most accurate accounts ever written of the life of the 3rd generation, and most famous, Tasunke Witko - Crazy Horse, who was called Curly, or Light Haired Boy in his early years due to his light hair, grey eyes and fair complexion. Crazy Horse was 100% Lakota, and had a spiritual power, hence the term 'strange man of the Oglalas'. This book is a fabulous insight into the life of this quiet and humble, yet fierce leader of the Lakota.
"Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"
By Dee Brown
Brown's eloquent, fully documented account of the systematic destruction of the American Indian during the second half of the 19th century. A national bestseller for more than a year after its initial publication, it has sold nearly four million copies worldwide and has been translated into at least 17 languages. Brutally honest and truthful regarding the atrocities committed against Indians by the United States of America.
By Dee Brown
Brown's eloquent, fully documented account of the systematic destruction of the American Indian during the second half of the 19th century. A national bestseller for more than a year after its initial publication, it has sold nearly four million copies worldwide and has been translated into at least 17 languages. Brutally honest and truthful regarding the atrocities committed against Indians by the United States of America.
"The Sacred Pipe"
By Black Elk - Oglala Lakota, with Jospeh Epes Brown
Joseph Epes Brown lived with Hehaka Sapa - Black Elk on the reservation while he recorded the Lakota Holy Man's account of the seven most sacred rites of the Oglala Lakota people. This book is a detailed expression of the function and purpose of these ancient ceremonies, and imparts a great understanding of the awesome complexity, order and beauty of Lakota community and culture of the past.
By Black Elk - Oglala Lakota, with Jospeh Epes Brown
Joseph Epes Brown lived with Hehaka Sapa - Black Elk on the reservation while he recorded the Lakota Holy Man's account of the seven most sacred rites of the Oglala Lakota people. This book is a detailed expression of the function and purpose of these ancient ceremonies, and imparts a great understanding of the awesome complexity, order and beauty of Lakota community and culture of the past.
