The Wisdom of the Great Chiefs

The Wisdom of the Great Chiefs by Kent Nerburn
Publisher: New World Library
Copyright: 1994
Number of Pages 76
Age: 12+
Genre: Nonfiction

Summary:
In this book it discusses different experiences done by three great Native American chiefs. The three were Cheif Red Jacket, Chief Joseph, and Cheif Seattle. In the different chapters through the book it discusses what these chiefs went through during the time that their people were being pushed out of their land and onto reservations. One that I will discuss will be Cheif Seattle. Cheif Seattle was named chief at the time of being put into a reservation. He refused to go to a reservation and leave their precious history behind. So he went to Washington to speak with the general and judge about moving to reservations. He went and discussed his case but the judge and general diagreed. Cheif Seattle discussed during his plea all the things that the general and his men had done to his people and how Chief Seattle wouldn't allow bloodshed and that they were always kind to the white man. He says that "we have always been kind to the whiteman, then why are we being placed to a new land?" However, even though the Chief and his people showed kindness they did not prevail in their plea.
My reaction:
I enjoyed reading this book. It was well written. I loved being able to read things from a Chief's point of view. I think that this books title also suits it. There is differnt wisdom mentioned in this book and it is profoud and it actually makes you see things differently. It lets you understand the Native American ways. So many people think that they are killing machines and that they do sacrafices that are too terrible to mention; however, the Native American people have shown in this book that they are kind and want peace. They care for their families and community, all they want is peace.
Who would benefit from this book?
I think that anyone interested in Native American history. It has a great insight for those would want to know more.
What problems might this book cause?
I think that the controversy would be in the discussing of the different punishments and torture that the Native Americans went through. An example would be scalping. That is a disgusting and terrible tradition but it is discussed in the book.