10.1 Native American Renaissance
8 min read•august 20, 2024
The marked a turning point in literature, empowering Native voices to reclaim their narratives. This movement, sparked by 's "House Made of Dawn" in 1968, challenged stereotypes and celebrated indigenous cultures.
Key authors like and explored themes of identity, history, and resilience. Their works blended traditional storytelling with modern literary techniques, inspiring future generations and reshaping perceptions of Native American experiences.
Origins of the Native American Renaissance
- Emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a literary movement that sought to reclaim and celebrate Native American identity, culture, and history
- Coincided with the broader civil rights movement and the rise of ethnic studies programs in universities across the United States
- Marked a significant shift in Native American literature, moving away from stereotypical depictions of Native Americans by non-Native writers and toward authentic representations by Native authors themselves
N. Scott Momaday's House Made of Dawn
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- Published in 1968, Momaday's is often cited as the beginning of the Native American Renaissance
- Tells the story of a young Pueblo man named Abel who struggles to reconcile his traditional Native American identity with the modern world
- Incorporates elements of Pueblo mythology and , highlighting the importance of storytelling in Native American culture
- Won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969, bringing national attention to Native American literature
Vine Deloria Jr.'s Custer Died for Your Sins
- Published in 1969, Deloria's book is a collection of essays that critique U.S. government policies toward Native Americans and challenge dominant historical narratives
- Argues that the U.S. government's treatment of Native Americans has been characterized by broken treaties, forced assimilation, and cultural genocide
- Calls for Native Americans to reclaim their identity and assert their sovereignty as distinct nations within the United States
- Became a foundational text for the Native American rights movement and helped to inspire a new generation of Native American activists and writers
Kiowa writer N. Scott Momaday
- Born in 1934 in Lawton, Oklahoma, Momaday is a member of the Kiowa tribe and grew up on various reservations in the Southwest
- Earned a PhD in English literature from Stanford University and began teaching at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1963
- In addition to House Made of Dawn, Momaday has published several other novels, collections of , and works of non-fiction that explore Native American identity and experience
- Received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Medal of Arts in 2007
Key themes in Native American Renaissance literature
- Reflects a growing sense of pride and resilience among Native American communities in the face of centuries of oppression and marginalization
- Challenges stereotypical depictions of Native Americans as primitive, savage, or vanishing and instead presents complex, nuanced portrayals of Native American characters and experiences
- Explores the ongoing impact of colonization, forced assimilation, and cultural genocide on Native American communities and individuals
Reclaiming Native American identity
- Asserts the inherent value and dignity of Native American cultures and traditions in the face of centuries of cultural suppression and forced assimilation
- Celebrates the diversity of Native American nations and tribes, each with their own distinct languages, customs, and belief systems
- Depicts Native American characters grappling with questions of identity and belonging as they navigate the complexities of modern American society
- Incorporates elements of Native American mythology, folklore, and oral tradition to underscore the enduring power and relevance of these cultural traditions
Challenging dominant historical narratives
- Questions the accuracy and objectivity of mainstream American history, which has often ignored or minimized the experiences and perspectives of Native Americans
- Presents alternative histories that center the voices and experiences of Native American communities and challenge the notion of the United States as a "nation of immigrants"
- Explores the ongoing impact of historical traumas such as the , the Wounded Knee Massacre, and the forced assimilation of Native American children in boarding schools
- Asserts the right of Native Americans to tell their own stories and shape their own historical narratives
Celebrating Native American culture and traditions
- Honors the richness and diversity of Native American cultural practices, including language, music, dance, art, and
- Depicts Native American communities as vibrant, resilient, and deeply connected to the natural world
- Explores the role of traditional knowledge and wisdom in addressing contemporary challenges such as environmental degradation, social inequality, and cultural assimilation
- Celebrates the enduring power of Native American oral traditions, including storytelling, poetry, and song
Critiquing U.S. government policies toward Native Americans
- Condemns the U.S. government's long history of broken treaties, forced relocation, and cultural genocide against Native American nations
- Exposes the ongoing impact of federal policies such as the Indian Removal Act, the Dawes Act, and the Indian Termination Act on Native American communities
- Critiques the paternalistic and often contradictory nature of federal Indian policy, which has vacillated between forced assimilation and neglect
- Calls for greater Native American self-determination and sovereignty in matters of , resources, and governance
Notable Native American Renaissance authors
- Represents a diverse range of Native American nations, regions, and literary styles
- Draws on a rich tradition of Native American storytelling and oral history while also experimenting with new forms and genres
- Challenges dominant narratives about Native American history and identity while also exploring universal themes of love, loss, and belonging
Leslie Marmon Silko
- Born in 1948 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Silko is a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe and grew up on the Laguna Pueblo reservation
- Her novel Ceremony (1977) tells the story of a young Pueblo man named Tayo who returns home from World War II and struggles to find his place in a world that has been forever changed by the trauma of war and colonization
- Incorporates elements of Pueblo mythology and oral tradition, blurring the boundaries between past and present, and reality
- Other notable works include the novel Almanac of the Dead (1991) and the essay collection Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit (1996)
James Welch
- Born in 1940 in Browning, Montana, Welch was a member of the Blackfeet and A'aninin tribes and grew up on the Blackfeet and Fort Belknap reservations
- His novel Winter in the Blood (1974) tells the story of a young Native American man's search for identity and meaning in the wake of his father's death and his own struggles with alcoholism and depression
- Other notable works include the novels The Death of Jim Loney (1979) and Fools Crow (1986), which explore the impact of colonization and cultural assimilation on Native American communities in Montana
Louise Erdrich
- Born in 1954 in Little Falls, Minnesota, Erdrich is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and grew up in North Dakota
- Her novel Love Medicine (1984) tells the intergenerational story of two Ojibwe families on a fictional reservation in North Dakota, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of family and
- Other notable works include the novels The Beet Queen (1986), Tracks (1988), and The Round House (2012), which won the National Book Award for Fiction
Joy Harjo
- Born in 1951 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Harjo is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and is the current U.S. Poet Laureate
- Her poetry collections, including She Had Some Horses (1983) and In Mad Love and War (1990), explore themes of Native American identity, spirituality, and resistance
- Incorporates elements of Muscogee oral tradition and storytelling, as well as music and performance art
- Other notable works include the memoir Crazy Brave (2012) and the poetry collection An American Sunrise (2019)
Impact of the Native American Renaissance
- Represents a watershed moment in the history of Native American literature and culture
- Helped to challenge and transform dominant narratives about Native American history and identity
- Paved the way for a new generation of Native American writers, scholars, and activists
Increased visibility of Native American writers
- Brought national and international attention to the work of Native American authors, many of whom had previously been marginalized or ignored by mainstream publishers and audiences
- Helped to establish Native American literature as a distinct and vital part of the American literary canon
- Led to the publication of numerous anthologies, journals, and other outlets dedicated to showcasing the work of Native American writers
Inspiration for new generations of Native American authors
- Provided a model and a platform for younger Native American writers to build upon and expand
- Helped to create a sense of community and solidarity among Native American writers and artists across the country
- Inspired a new wave of Native American literary activism and scholarship, including the founding of organizations such as the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas and the Association for the Study of American Indian Literatures
Influence on mainstream American literature
- Challenged and transformed dominant narratives about American history, identity, and culture
- Introduced new voices, perspectives, and literary forms into the American literary canon
- Helped to pave the way for the emergence of other ethnic and multicultural literary movements, such as the Asian American and Latinx literary renaissances
Contributions to Native American studies programs
- Helped to establish Native American studies as a distinct and vital academic field
- Provided a foundation for the development of new courses, curricula, and research programs focused on Native American history, culture, and literature
- Helped to create new opportunities for Native American scholars and students to pursue advanced degrees and academic careers
Legacy of the Native American Renaissance
- Continues to shape and inspire contemporary Native American literature and culture
- Represents an ongoing commitment to Native American self-determination, cultural preservation, and artistic expression
- Serves as a reminder of the enduring power and resilience of Native American communities in the face of centuries of colonization and oppression
Ongoing Native American literary traditions
- Builds upon the groundbreaking work of earlier Native American writers and storytellers
- Incorporates elements of traditional oral narratives, mythology, and folklore alongside experimental forms and genres
- Explores themes of identity, belonging, and resistance in the context of contemporary Native American experiences and challenges
Contemporary Native American authors
- Includes a diverse range of voices and perspectives from across the United States and Canada
- Builds upon the legacy of the Native American Renaissance while also charting new directions and possibilities for Native American literature
- Notable examples include Tommy Orange (Cheyenne and Arapaho), author of the novel There There (2018), and Terese Marie Mailhot (Seabird Island Band), author of the memoir Heart Berries (2018)
Continued advocacy for Native American rights and sovereignty
- Reflects an ongoing commitment to Native American self-determination and cultural preservation
- Challenges dominant narratives about Native American history and identity while also advocating for greater political and economic sovereignty for Native American nations
- Supports efforts to protect sacred sites, natural resources, and cultural heritage from exploitation and destruction
Preservation of Native American languages and oral traditions
- Recognizes the vital importance of Native American languages and oral traditions in preserving cultural knowledge and identity
- Supports efforts to revitalize and teach Native American languages, many of which are endangered or at risk of extinction
- Incorporates elements of Native American storytelling, poetry, and song into contemporary literary forms and genres
- Helps to ensure that Native American cultural traditions and ways of knowing are passed down to future generations
Key Terms to Review (24)
Authenticity: Authenticity refers to the genuine and truthful representation of cultural identity, traditions, and narratives, particularly in the context of Native American literature and expression. It emphasizes the importance of cultural integrity and the need for voices from within a community to tell their own stories, which became especially relevant during the Native American Renaissance, a period marked by a resurgence of Indigenous literature and cultural pride.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country or territory, often involving the exploitation of its resources and people. This process typically leads to the imposition of the colonizer's culture, language, and governance on the colonized, creating deep and lasting impacts on indigenous populations and their ways of life.
Community: Community refers to a group of individuals who share common interests, values, and social connections, often living in close proximity or sharing a cultural identity. This concept is vital in shaping individual identities and social structures, influencing how people perceive themselves and their roles within larger narratives. The notion of community is particularly significant in storytelling, where collective experiences and cultural heritage are explored through various narratives.
Cultural Identity: Cultural identity refers to the sense of belonging to a particular culture or group, shaped by shared customs, values, beliefs, and experiences. It plays a crucial role in forming individual and community identities, impacting moral lessons, narratives, social dynamics, and responses to challenges.
Decolonization: Decolonization is the process through which colonies gain independence from colonial powers, leading to the reclamation of sovereignty and cultural identity. This movement often involves political, social, and cultural transformations as oppressed groups seek to dismantle colonial structures and assert their rights. The quest for self-determination and the restoration of traditional practices are central themes in decolonization, which have influenced various resistance movements and contemporary activism.
Indian Reorganization Act: The Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934 was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at reversing the assimilationist policies that had dominated U.S. government relations with Native American tribes. It sought to restore some degree of self-governance and tribal sovereignty to Native American nations, while also encouraging them to develop their own governments and economies.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, intersect and influence one another, creating unique experiences of discrimination and privilege. This concept highlights that individuals do not experience these identities separately but rather in a complex web that shapes their lived experiences, especially in discussions around social justice and equity.
James Welch: James Welch was a prominent Native American author and poet, known for his powerful storytelling that reflects the struggles and resilience of Native American identity. His works are considered a significant part of the Native American Renaissance, a cultural revival that began in the 1960s, where indigenous voices gained prominence in literature and arts.
Joy Harjo: Joy Harjo is a renowned Native American poet, author, and musician, who is celebrated for her contributions to literature and her role in the Native American Renaissance. Her work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the experience of Indigenous peoples in America, blending personal narrative with broader social commentary.
Kinship: Kinship refers to the social relationships that connect individuals through blood ties, marriage, or other forms of affinity. This concept is fundamental to understanding social structures and cultural practices, influencing identity, community bonds, and responsibilities within groups. In many cultures, kinship shapes narratives around creation, belonging, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Land: In the context of Native American narratives, land refers to the physical territory that indigenous peoples inhabit, which holds significant cultural, spiritual, and historical importance. Land is not just a resource but is intertwined with identity, community, and traditional practices, reflecting the deep connection Native Americans have with their ancestral environments.
Leslie Marmon Silko: Leslie Marmon Silko is a prominent Native American writer, recognized for her contributions to contemporary literature through her works that weave together traditional storytelling and modern themes. Her narratives often emphasize the importance of oral traditions, spiritual connections, and the rich tapestry of Native American culture, reflecting both cultural continuity and adaptation.
Louise Erdrich: Louise Erdrich is an acclaimed Native American author known for her impactful storytelling that explores themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of life in Native American communities. Her work often reflects the struggles of individuals returning to their communities and the process of reintegrating into society, while also addressing language loss and revitalization efforts in Native cultures. Erdrich's diverse literary styles contribute to the Native American Renaissance, showcasing a rich tapestry of narratives that resonate with a wide audience.
Metafiction: Metafiction is a type of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often blurring the boundary between fiction and reality. This storytelling technique invites readers to reflect on the nature of storytelling itself, frequently employing techniques like breaking the fourth wall or commenting on its own narrative structure. It can create a deeper engagement with the themes and contexts of a narrative, especially in works that explore identity, culture, and history.
Myth: A myth is a traditional story that explains the beliefs, values, and cultural practices of a society, often involving supernatural elements and characters. Myths serve not only as entertainment but also as a way to convey moral lessons, articulate cultural values, and preserve collective memory across generations.
N. Scott Momaday: N. Scott Momaday is a renowned Native American author, poet, and playwright known for his significant contributions to literature, particularly in representing Native American culture and identity. His works often reflect moral lessons, the importance of oral traditions, and themes of cultural preservation and adaptation.
Native American Renaissance: The Native American Renaissance refers to a cultural and artistic revival that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by a resurgence of Native American literature, art, and identity. This movement aimed to reclaim and celebrate Indigenous cultures and perspectives, fostering a renewed sense of pride and community among Native Americans while also challenging stereotypes and misconceptions in mainstream society.
Novel: A novel is a lengthy fictional narrative that explores human experiences through interconnected stories, character development, and themes. It serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression and storytelling, often reflecting societal values and historical contexts, which is especially relevant in understanding the complexities of the Native American Renaissance.
Oral tradition: Oral tradition refers to the practice of passing down stories, histories, and cultural knowledge through spoken word from one generation to another. This method of storytelling is essential for preserving the beliefs, values, and identity of a community, making it a vital element in understanding the richness of various narratives.
Poetry: Poetry is a literary form that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings and emotions. It often relies on metaphor, symbolism, and sound devices to express complex ideas and experiences in a condensed format. In the context of the Native American Renaissance, poetry serves as a vital medium for articulating cultural identity, historical narratives, and spiritual connections, reflecting the voices and experiences of Indigenous peoples.
Post-colonial literature: Post-colonial literature refers to the body of literary works that respond to the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism. This genre examines the complexities of identity, power dynamics, and resistance faced by colonized peoples, often giving voice to those who were marginalized or oppressed during and after the colonial era.
Spirituality: Spirituality refers to the personal and communal connection to the sacred, encompassing beliefs, practices, and values that shape one's understanding of existence and the universe. It plays a vital role in cultural narratives, fostering community bonds, guiding moral values, and influencing how individuals interpret their experiences through storytelling and oral traditions.
Trail of Tears: The Trail of Tears refers to the forced relocation of Native American nations from their ancestral homelands to designated Indian Territory in the 1830s, primarily affecting the Cherokee Nation. This tragic journey led to immense suffering and death due to harsh conditions, highlighting the trials faced by Indigenous peoples during this period of removal and the broader transformation of their societies.
Voice: Voice refers to the unique expression and perspective of an author or storyteller, especially in literature. It encompasses the tone, style, and viewpoint that shape how narratives are delivered, allowing for individual cultural and personal experiences to resonate within the text. In the context of Native American literature, voice plays a crucial role in conveying the richness of Indigenous cultures and their histories, making it a vital component of the storytelling tradition.