Key Native American Philosophers to Know for Native American Philosophy

Key Native American philosophers have shaped Indigenous thought by emphasizing spirituality, culture, and community. Their works challenge Western perspectives, advocate for rights, and highlight the deep connections between people, nature, and identity within Native American philosophy.

1. Vine Deloria Jr.

   • Advocated for the recognition of Native American rights and sovereignty.
   • Critiqued Western philosophy and its impact on Indigenous peoples.
   • Emphasized the importance of spirituality and land in Native American identity.
   • Authored influential works such as "Custer Died for Your Sins" and "God Is Red."

2. John (Fire) Lame Deer

   • A Lakota Sioux medicine man and spiritual leader.
   • Focused on the importance of traditional Native American spirituality and practices.
   • Critiqued modern society's disconnection from nature and spirituality.
   • His book "Lame Deer, Seeker of Visions" blends autobiography with cultural commentary.

3. Luther Standing Bear

   • An Oglala Lakota author and educator who promoted Native American culture.
   • Advocated for the preservation of Indigenous languages and traditions.
   • Critiqued the assimilation policies of the U.S. government.
   • His works, including "My People the Sioux," provide insight into Native American life.

4. Black Elk

   • A Lakota visionary and healer known for his spiritual teachings.
   • His life story is captured in "Black Elk Speaks," which conveys Native American spirituality.
   • Emphasized the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of vision quests.
   • His teachings reflect a deep understanding of the natural world and its sacredness.

5. Paula Gunn Allen

   • A Laguna Pueblo poet, novelist, and feminist scholar.
   • Explored the intersection of Native American and feminist perspectives in her work.
   • Advocated for the recognition of Indigenous women's roles in culture and spirituality.
   • Her book "The Woman Who Owned the Shadows" highlights Native American identity and experience.

6. Leslie Marmon Silko

   • A Laguna Pueblo writer known for her contributions to Native American literature.
   • Blended traditional storytelling with contemporary themes in her works.
   • Explored the complexities of identity, culture, and history in Native American life.
   • Her novel "Ceremony" addresses healing and the importance of cultural narratives.

7. N. Scott Momaday

   • A Kiowa author and poet, awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his novel "House Made of Dawn."
   • Focused on the significance of storytelling and oral traditions in Native American culture.
   • Explored themes of identity, place, and the relationship between humans and nature.
   • His work emphasizes the importance of memory and cultural heritage.

8. Gregory Cajete

   • A Tewa educator and author who emphasizes Indigenous knowledge systems.
   • Advocated for the integration of Native American perspectives in education.
   • Focused on the importance of nature and the environment in Indigenous philosophy.
   • His works, such as "Look to the Mountain," explore the relationship between culture and ecology.

9. Viola Cordova

   • A Pueblo scholar and activist known for her work in Native American philosophy.
   • Critiqued Western epistemology and promoted Indigenous ways of knowing.
   • Emphasized the importance of community and relationality in Native American thought.
   • Her writings address the intersections of culture, identity, and environmental ethics.

10. Anne Waters

    • A scholar and educator focused on Native American studies and philosophy.
    • Explored the role of Indigenous women in cultural preservation and philosophy.
    • Advocated for the inclusion of Native American perspectives in academic discourse.
    • Her work emphasizes the importance of storytelling and oral traditions in understanding Native philosophies.