12.2 Native American Autobiographies and Memoirs

Native American autobiographies emerged during colonial and post-colonial periods, shaped by European colonization and forced assimilation. These works preserved cultural heritage, countered misrepresentation, and advocated for Native rights. Collaboration with non-Native writers produced as-told-to autobiographies stemming from ethnographic interest.

These memoirs explored themes of cultural identity, conflict with settlers, boarding school experiences, and spirituality. They emphasized family relationships, environmental stewardship, and resilience. Native American autobiographies humanized experiences, reclaimed narrative control, and highlighted cultural diversity while addressing misconceptions and asserting sovereignty.

Historical Context and Literary Significance

Context of Native American autobiographies

Top images from around the web for Context of Native American autobiographies

• 

  Introduction | US History I (AY Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Woman in the Nineteenth Century | American Literature I View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Chapter 3: The Standard of Living Before European Settlement – Economic Aspects of the ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Introduction | US History I (AY Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Woman in the Nineteenth Century | American Literature I View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Context of Native American autobiographies

• 

  Introduction | US History I (AY Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Woman in the Nineteenth Century | American Literature I View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Chapter 3: The Standard of Living Before European Settlement – Economic Aspects of the ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Introduction | US History I (AY Collection) View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Woman in the Nineteenth Century | American Literature I View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Colonial and post-colonial periods shaped by European colonization of North America led to forced relocation and assimilation policies
• 19th-century literary trends saw rise of autobiographical writing in American literature sparked increased interest in Native American cultures
• Preservation of cultural heritage became crucial as oral tradition threatened by assimilation drove desire to document traditional ways of life
• Political and social motivations fueled advocacy for Native American rights and countered misrepresentation in mainstream media
• Collaboration with non-Native writers and anthropologists produced as-told-to autobiographies stemming from ethnographic interest in Native American cultures

Themes in Native American memoirs

• Cultural identity and heritage explored traditional beliefs and practices while emphasizing connection to ancestral lands
• Conflict with European settlers and U.S. government highlighted wars, forced relocations (Trail of Tears), and treaty violations
• Boarding school experiences detailed forced assimilation, loss of language (Navajo), and cultural disorientation
• Spirituality and religious practices described vision quests, coming-of-age rituals (Sun Dance), and clash between traditional beliefs and Christianity
• Family and community relationships emphasized intergenerational knowledge transfer and tribal social structures (clan systems)
• Environmental stewardship portrayed relationship with nature and wildlife while addressing impact of industrialization on traditional ways of life
• Survival and resilience demonstrated adapting to changing circumstances and preserving cultural practices under adversity

Literary Techniques and Cultural Impact

Impact on cultural identity

• Humanizing Native American experiences presented complex, multifaceted individuals countering one-dimensional portrayals in popular culture (noble savage stereotype)
• Reclaiming narrative control told stories from Native perspectives challenging Eurocentric historical accounts
• Highlighting cultural diversity showcased unique traditions of different tribes (Pueblo, Lakota, Cherokee) dispelling notion of monolithic "Indian" identity
• Addressing misconceptions debunked harmful stereotypes educated non-Native readers about Native cultures
• Asserting sovereignty and rights documented land claims and treaty rights advocated for political and social justice
• Preserving endangered languages and traditions incorporated Native languages in texts (Ojibwe, Navajo) documented cultural practices for future generations
• Fostering cross-cultural understanding bridged gaps between Native and non-Native communities promoted empathy and respect for Native cultures

Literary techniques in autobiographical works

• Non-linear storytelling employed circular narrative structures integrated past, present, and future
• Incorporation of oral tradition elements used repetition and rhythm included traditional stories and legends (creation myths)
• Code-switching and bilingual techniques blended Native languages with English left untranslated words to maintain cultural authenticity
• Symbolism and metaphor used natural elements as metaphors for life experiences incorporated animal symbolism rooted in tribal beliefs (eagle, buffalo)
• Collective voice spoke for the community rather than just the individual often used "we" instead of "I" in narration
• Hybrid genres blended autobiography with folklore and history incorporated poetry and song into prose narratives
• Visual elements integrated traditional art forms (beadwork, pottery designs) used photographs and illustrations
• Addressing multiple audiences wrote for both Native and non-Native readers balanced cultural insider knowledge with explanations for outsiders