Subject
Indians of North America -- Washington (State) Books
Best books
Lawrence Kip
The Indian Council in the Valley of the Walla-Walla. 1855
"The Indian Council in the Valley of the Walla-Walla. 1855" by Lawrence Kip is a historical account written during the mid-19th century. The book details Kip's experiences and observations while accompanying a military escort to an Indian council meeting where treaties regarding land were to be discussed with various Native American tribes. It provides a glimpse into the dynamics of early settler and Indigenous relations during a transformative period in American history. The narrative is framed as a journal, chronicling Kip's journey from Fort Vancouver to the council site in the Walla-Walla Valley, including descriptions of the natural landscape and the military lifestyle along the way. Upon reaching the council, the story unfolds through a mixture of observations of the tribes, their customs, and the proceedings of the discussions led by Governor Stevens and other officials. Tensions arise as various tribes react to proposals for land cessions, presenting a backdrop of conflict and negotiation that reflects the historical struggles and changing relationships between Native Americans and European settlers. Kip captures a range of Indigenous voices, illustrating their concerns and resistance to ceding lands, while also providing a perspective on the colonial mindset of the time.
Lucullus Virgil McWhorter
The Discards
"The Discards" by Lucullus Virgil McWhorter is a collection of remarks and observations, likely written in the early 20th century. The book addresses numerous socio-political issues faced by Native Americans, particularly the Yakima tribe, highlighting the challenges of land and water rights. The work seeks to bring awareness to the struggles and injustices experienced by Indigenous peoples due to governmental mismanagement and exploitation. In "The Discards," McWhorter, who identifies as an adopted member of the Yakima tribe, shares a series of articles touching on various grievances regarding the Indian Bureau’s treatment of Native Americans. The narratives recount instances of land theft, misappropriated water rights, and various legal and personal struggles that underline the complexities of Native American life and administration in the early 20th century. Highlighting specific cases like that of Louis Mann and Simon Goudy, the author captures the sentiments of betrayal and despair felt by tribal members, while also exposing the broader systemic failures that perpetuate these injustices. This collection serves as a poignant reminder of the historical context surrounding Native American rights and governance.
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