Post by blackcrowheart on Aug 16, 2006 8:23:51 GMT -5
Book looks at Indian activist Bernie Whitebear
Dawn Karima Pettigrew 8/14/2006
Born during the Depression, Bernie Whitebear was the son of Sin Aikst Indian mother and a Philipino father. From his humble beginnings in a loving family to his stunning record of public service, Bernie Whitebear:An Urban Indian�s Quest for Justice chronicles an amazing life. A special facet of this biography is that it is written by Whitebear�s brother, Lawney Reyes.
�What is it that compels a person to do unique things in life?� Reyes asks this interesting question and sets out to answer it in this well-written text. �Whatever the answer, Bernie Whitebear accomplished deeds and won victories for his people that no Indian accomplished,� Reyes declares.
Reyes records Whitebear�s tireless dedication to helping Native American people. Relocation programs caused numerous Native American people to depart from their reservations and seek a better life in the cities. Throughout the 1950s, Native Americans attempted to assimilate into the American dream. Bernie Whitebear became influential as a result of his desire to create authentic powwows that would unite Native individuals and foster an interest in culture and tradition.
�He crossed into political territory normally off limits to his people,� writes Reyes. �Bernie gained access to foreign areas that no other Indian leader entered. He did this continually for forty years. Whitebear emerged as a clear, thoughtful voice of reason and insight amidst political change and upheaval.
As a dedicated and vibrant activist, Whitebear became noted for his participation in protests and the �Red Power� movement.
�During his time, he gained the respect of many from different walks of life and varied ethnic and social backgrounds,� remembers Reyes. �For these reasons, I decided to write the life story of my little brother.�
Whitebear�s life makes inspiring reading.
�Bernie Whitebear had many setbacks in life. He was sometimes discouraged by his opposition, but he never voiced negative comments about them,� the author states. �He would simply pick himself up, regain his stance, and continue to work and fight for what he thought was right for his people.� Bernie Whitebear:An Urban Indian�s Quest for Justice allows readers to witness this fight and its results.
Dawn Karima Pettigrew 8/14/2006
Born during the Depression, Bernie Whitebear was the son of Sin Aikst Indian mother and a Philipino father. From his humble beginnings in a loving family to his stunning record of public service, Bernie Whitebear:An Urban Indian�s Quest for Justice chronicles an amazing life. A special facet of this biography is that it is written by Whitebear�s brother, Lawney Reyes.
�What is it that compels a person to do unique things in life?� Reyes asks this interesting question and sets out to answer it in this well-written text. �Whatever the answer, Bernie Whitebear accomplished deeds and won victories for his people that no Indian accomplished,� Reyes declares.
Reyes records Whitebear�s tireless dedication to helping Native American people. Relocation programs caused numerous Native American people to depart from their reservations and seek a better life in the cities. Throughout the 1950s, Native Americans attempted to assimilate into the American dream. Bernie Whitebear became influential as a result of his desire to create authentic powwows that would unite Native individuals and foster an interest in culture and tradition.
�He crossed into political territory normally off limits to his people,� writes Reyes. �Bernie gained access to foreign areas that no other Indian leader entered. He did this continually for forty years. Whitebear emerged as a clear, thoughtful voice of reason and insight amidst political change and upheaval.
As a dedicated and vibrant activist, Whitebear became noted for his participation in protests and the �Red Power� movement.
�During his time, he gained the respect of many from different walks of life and varied ethnic and social backgrounds,� remembers Reyes. �For these reasons, I decided to write the life story of my little brother.�
Whitebear�s life makes inspiring reading.
�Bernie Whitebear had many setbacks in life. He was sometimes discouraged by his opposition, but he never voiced negative comments about them,� the author states. �He would simply pick himself up, regain his stance, and continue to work and fight for what he thought was right for his people.� Bernie Whitebear:An Urban Indian�s Quest for Justice allows readers to witness this fight and its results.