Essays and Research Papers on Native Indian Studies

A 4 page paper which examines what Indian policy was like before and after John Collier. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 3 page article review in which the writer examines an author's discussion of the White men who first came to America and failed miserably at imitating Native Indian lifestyles and wound up dying from cold winters, malnutrition, etc;-- Simply because they tried to do things their "own way"-- and not follow the example of ...

A 5 page discussion of some of the central premises presented in this autobiography edited by Leo Simmons. The early life of Hopi Indian Talayesva illustrates that of one who is caught between two cultures, his traditional culture and mainstream American culture. This imbalance is actually one which is addressed by the traditional ...

This 3 page paper analyzes selections about Native Americans in the section, "Transformation, Endurance, and Rejuvenation of American Indian Societies, 1870-1995" from the Gregory Gordon text. The various selections presented include modern day accounts as well as historical works, including letters from soldiers and Native Americans. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 7 page discussion of the forced removal of the Cherokee Indian in 1838 from their eastern homelands in the United States. Written from the perspective of a foreign reporter who witnessed the event first hand. Provides details of the events which led up to the removal. Bibliography lists 4 sources. ...

A 3 page research paper that discusses the strategies used by Indians to preserve their independence in the face of colonial expansion in the eighteenth century. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 5 page overview of how Houston’s interactions with the Cherokee Indians shaped both his political and personal life. Illuminates specific aspects of Cherokee culture which influenced him, specifically referencing “Sam Houston and the American Southwest” by Randolph B. Campbell. No additional sources are listed.

This 5 page paper compares and contrasts two books on similar subjects. John Dower's War Without Mercy and Richard Drinnon's Facing West are discussed. The subject is racism by Americans and the books are about racism against the Japanese during World War II and racism against Indians, respectively. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 7 page paper looking at Mary Crow Dog's autobiography in terms of its function as a coming-of-age story, or bildingsroman. The paper shows how Crow Dog's story not only tells the story of her own life but serves as a metaphor for the emergence of the entire Indian nation. Bibliography lists 6 ...

(6 pp) The movie (1999) was billed as the first American all-Indian made - written, acted and produced movie. And everyone appeared astounded that it was (is) very good. It has been adapted from Alexie's book of short stories called The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fight in Heaven. Our assignment is to ...

This 3 page paper discusses the way in which the U.S. government interacted with the Native Americans from approximately 1850-1890, a period generally called the "Indian Wars." Bibliography lists 4 sources.

This 4 page paper considers the views of Eunice William's father and his unsuccessful attempts to redeem his daughter after her capture at the hands of Mohawk Indians. This paper considers the way in which the Reverend William's behavior reflected his staunchly puritan ideals and his desire to live a puritan life. Bibliography ...

A 5 page essay on the two volume book, Conspiracy of Pontiac, by Indian war historian Francis Parkman. The writer provides an informative & critical analysis covering Parkman's style, theme, and literary allusions. No additional sources cited.

This 6 page paper discusses this novel which is about the Dakota Sioux Indians in the mid-19th century. This paper argues that the novel is told from a primarily female perspective and gives insight into the family relationships and cultural expectations of this society. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 4 page paper argues that while Indian gaming has been successful on two reservations, most tribes gain little from it. It should be restructured. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

This 5 page report discusses the 18th and early 19th century Shawnee leader who attempted to create a “pan-Indian” coalition that could work as a confederation of mutual support and defense in order to protect the lands and indigenous peoples against the white pioneers moving west across the Appalachian mountains. In terms of the question ...

A 9 page comparison of these sometimes diverse yet sometimes astonishingly similar cultures. The author of this paper defines the geographic range encompassed by the Appalachians and the unique peoples who presently live there. The author notes that this range was once the homelands of the Cherokee Indians. Specific details are provided ...

A 4 page review of these two contrasting works of literature, one by Shakespeare and one by modern author Louise Endrich. The author contends that despite their contrasts, each is a Christian tragedy.

A 4 page discussion of the importance of Native American languages. This paper reviews the article by William L. Leap titled "American Indian Languages". Emphasis is placed on Leap's points about the intimacy which exists between language and culture. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper provides an overview of this group of Indian tribes which live in upper North America. Several variables are discussed inclusive of shamanism, land rights, language, art and history. Bibliography lists 9 sources.

A 3 page paper which traces the evolution of federal Indian policy from Washington through Jackson. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page overview of the different Native American approaches launched in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in response to white invasion into Indian lands. The author emphasizes the contrast which existed between these three great leaders. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

3 pages in length. The writer briefly discusses racial discord and homosexual intolerance as they relate to hatred in "The Laramie Project" and "Indian Killer." Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 4 page review of one of President Andrew Jackson’s 1830 addresses to Congress concerning the Indian situation. The author of this paper contends that Jackson had a tendency to justify his actions and even to sugar coat them so that they appeared to be in the best interest not only of the white ...

A paper which looks at the way in which some Native Indian wedding customs have survived over the years, whereas other forms of marriage practices, such as polygamy, have been rendered illegal. The paper considers various elements of traditional weddings, and also the way in which these ceremonies are regarded both by Native people themselves ...