American Indian Stories (1921) is a collection of stories and essays
from Yankton Dakota writer Zitkála-Sá. Published while Zitkála-Sá was at
the height of her career as an artist and activist, American Indian
Stories collects the author's personal experiences, the legends and
stories passed down through Sioux oral tradition, and her own
reflections on the mistreatment of American Indians nationwide.
In "My Mother," Zitkála-Sá remembers the walk she would take with her
mother to the river, where they would gather water to use in their
wigwam. This simple chore becomes a cherished tradition between the two,
allowing Zitkála-Sá's mother to educate her on the circumstances that
led their people to the reservation, depriving them of land and life
itself. "The Legends" traces Zitkála-Sá's childhood experience of
learning from the oral tradition passed down from the Dakota elders. In
"The Coffee Making," she remembers the first time she made coffee. While
her mother has gone out for the day, an elder pays a visit to their
wigwam. Remembering that her mother usually makes coffee for visitors,
Zitkála-Sá attempts to play hostess to her visitor, who humors her and
takes the time to share stories about his life and their people.
American Indian Stories is a charming and politically conscious
collection of stories from one of the leading American Indian writers of
her generation, a committed activist and true voice for change who saw
through her own eyes the lives and experiences of countless others.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Zitkála-Sá's American Indian Stories is a classic of
American Indian literature reimagined for modern readers.
