Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak (1833) is the autobiography
of Sauk chief Black Hawk. Dictated to government interpreter Antoine
LeClair following nearly a year in captivity, Black Hawk's
Autobiography captures his youth among the Sauk in the American
Midwest, his union with British forces during the War of 1812, and his
eventual rebellion against white settlers during the 1832 Black Hawk
War. Revered by generations for his bravery and leadership, Black Hawk
was also the first Native American to publish an autobiography. "My
reason teaches me that land cannot be sold. The Great Spirit gave it to
his children to live upon and cultivate as far as necessary for their
subsistence, and so long as they occupy and cultivate it they have the
right to the soil, but if they voluntarily leave it, then any other
people have a right to settle on it. Nothing can be sold but such things
as can be carried away." In his own words, Black Hawk tells the story of
his life and of his people. Long mistreated and betrayed by American
settlers and government forces alike, the Sauk went to war against the
United States twice. Although his final stand ended in surrender, Black
Hawk remains a source of pride and a symbol of resilience nearly two
centuries after his death. With a beautifully designed cover and
professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Black Hawk's
Autobiography of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak is a classic of Native
American literature reimagined for modern readers.
