Edwin Thompson Denig
Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri
Edited with Notes and Biographical Sketch
"Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri" by Edwin Thompson Denig is a scholarly historical account penned in the mid-19th century. This work serves as an extensive report on various Native American tribes residing in the upper Missouri River area, particularly focusing on the Assiniboin, Sioux, Arikara, Mandan, and others. It highlights Denig's long-term observations and interactions with these tribes, delving into their customs, social structures, and historical context. The opening of the manuscript details Denig's correspondence with Isaac I. Stevens, the Governor of Washington Territory, in which he aims to answer a set of inquiries related to the history, current status, and future outlook of the Indian tribes he encountered. Denig emphasizes his vast experience—over two decades spent living among the prairie tribes—and the wealth of knowledge shared by the individuals from these communities to provide an authentic and insightful perspective. He outlines the structure of the report, which comprises both responses to specific queries and a rich description of tribal life, history, and culture, setting the stage for a comprehensive examination of the Assiniboin and their intricate relationship with their environment and societal dynamics.