Review: Superb Summary of the Cheyenne, or Tis Tis Tas, Algonquian People Who Emigrated from the Great Lakes
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 22, 2014
I'm writing this review in a Super8 motel in Miles City, Montana. Just a few hours ago, I paid my third visit to Little Bighorn Battlefield, 90 minutes drive east of Billings. Further, just two days ago I visited the Warbonnet Creek battle site, south of present-day Ardmore, SD, and northeast of Harrison, NE.I mention the above to show I am a history buff with much more than a passing interest in the Old West.What I love about this 64 page booklet is that the writer(s) and editor worked incredibly hard to provide a quick-reading summary of a tribe of Algonquian Indians (native Americans if you prefer). The Cheyenne (tis tis tas) are an incredible society that demonstrates the greatness of the human race - the ability we have to adapt to our environment when possible, or to reshape our environment to conditions in which we can thrive. It also is fair and objective in its respectful sensitivity to the Cheyenne people.I also loved the incredible photography and diagrams and illustrations.All said, the booklet is nearly as well-done as possible in such a few number of pages (64).Now, there are a few points that need to be addressed so readers don't get upset with certain imperfections.1 - there are a few very minor typos. Such as leaving the a off of area, forcing the reader to stumble and make the appropriate mental correction.2 - and this is a bit more important, the book refers to Lakota and, occasionally Dakota.it is unclear or uncertain if they are correctly referring to the correct group, or subset, within the Sioux. A clarification to explain the difference between Nakota, Lakota and Nakota would be helpful.3 - the author refers to the Sheyenne River (in North Dakota) but without noting the area wherein the Cheyenne were living. I live within 10 miles of the town Sheyenne, set alongside the Sheyenne River, but this river meanders east and south for quite a distance. It would help to know where the Cheyenne lived and for what duration.4 - there is no mention of the battle at Warbonnet Creek in northeast Nebraska, on August 2, 1876. This battle in which Buffalo Bill took the First Scalp for Custer was a morale boost for the 100-year-old nation trying to bounce back from a stunning defeat inflicted on Custer and the 7th cavalry. This battle was of some tactical significance due to the defeated Cheyenne group here were forced to return to their reservation, instead of joining those Cheyenne and Sioux who had so defeated a proud, possibly arrogant, group of professional soldiers.In noting these flaws, however, I still rate Native American Tribes: The History and Culture of the Cheyenne 5-Stars, for this is a terrific resource for anyone interested in understanding one of the great tribes of the Plains. I love this 64 page book and could read another 200 pages on the history of these people, if it were written and illustrated as effectively as the current 64 pages.