 |
Sometimes the losses of childhood can be
recovered only in the flight of the dragonfly. Native American children have long been subject to removal from their homes for placement in residential schools and foster or adoptive homes. The governments of both the United States and Canada, having reduced Native nations to the legal status of dependent children, historically have asserted a surrogate parentalism over Native children themselves. Children of the Dragonflyis the first anthology to document this struggle for cultural survival on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border. Invoking the dragonfly spirit of Zuni legend who helps children restore a way of life that has been taken from them, it explores the breadth of the conflict about Native childhood. Included are works of contemporary authors Sherman Alexie, ]oy Harjo, Luci Tapahonso, and others; classic writers Zitkala-Sa and E. Pauline Johnson; and contributions from twenty important new writers as well. This book shows that Native children - as well as their families and descendants - are both victims and victors in the crucial struggle for cultural and personal survival. Like the dragonfly of lore, this volume can lead us all toward a better understanding of adopted children everywhere. |
Send us 
an email