Down By the River

Native peoples, and their stories and histories are not a social studies unit of an interesting sub-category. [. .] We are American history. [. . .] Every track and trace of the American experience runs through our communities, our culture. We have been the transformers so much more than we are ever credited to have been. I am so tired of our image as the transformed-the lost, the dead, always those who are acted upon, always those who have been pushed to the edges, where we can be watched compassionately, nostalgically, seen as little more than a decorative fringe. (Susan Power, qtd. in Howe 45)


Honestly, I never saw the Native Americans as a mere social studies unit, but when I think back to high school, that’s what they were. We didn’t learn about the cultures or any specific tribe. I learned more about events that Native Americans were involved in or the always popular, constant relocation to new reservations. I guess that is a really shallow thing to view a culture as, but I didn’t know any better, or wasn’t taught any better. And I can see where Native Americans are tired of always being perceived as the victims, when they were always being forced by the American government. For a time period all the Native Americans were pushed and personally I’m surprised more hadn’t revolted because of it. Native Americans aren’t fringe, something you use to decorate your house with. This is a living, breathing culture, that is trying to preserve their heritage and identity. Malea Powell uses numerous quotes in her work, Down by the River, but I liked this one the best. It’s straight to the point, and doesn’t ask for sympathy. History has evolved because of the Native Americans and there should be more recognition of that.