From Library Journal
Thirteen Native Americans representing a variety of tribal affiliations but all graduates of Dartmouth describe their experiences in and out of college, focusing on how they coped with sometimes-conflicting cultural demands and how they carried on their heritage. Some came from poor homes where alcoholism was common; others had highly educated parents who gave them encouragement and support. For most, however, success did not come easily. The decision to draw on the experiences of Dartmouth graduates only may at first seem self-congratulatory, since all the editors as well as the contributors have the Dartmouth Native American Program in common. Yet the essays are fresh and engaging and of high literary and journalistic quality. A unique perspective on a much-neglected aspect of college life; highly recommended.?Arla M. Lindgren, St. John's Univ., Jamaica, N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Library of Congress
Native American students entering college often experience a dramatic confrontation of cultures. As one of the writers in this remarkable collective memoir remarks, "When I was a child, I was taught certain things: don't stand up to your elders; don't question authority; life is precious; the earth is precious; take it slowly; enjoy it. And then you go to college and you learn all these other things that never fit." Making things fit, finding that elusive balance between tribal values and the demands of campus life is a recurring theme in this landmark collection of personal essays. Navajo or Choctaw, Tlingit or Sioux, each of the essayists (all graduates of Dartmouth College) gives a heartfelt account of struggle and adjustment. The result is a compelling portrait of the anguish Native American students feel justifying the existence of their own cultures not only to other students but also throughout the predominantly white institutions they have joined. Among the contributors are a tribal court judge and a professional baseball player, the first Navajo woman surgeon, and the former executive director of a Native American preparatory school. Their memories and insights are unparalleled.
