People of the Big Voice: Photographs of Ho-Chunk Families by Charles Van Schaick, 1879-1942
"This amazing collection of photographs documents a remarkable American Indian tribe, the storied Ho-Chunk people. It etches into our mind’s eye haunting images of a hard-pressed Nation emerging from small pox, dispossession, and removal. This stirring visual legacy allows us to gaze into the eyes of a proud and handsome people who overcame these tragic hardships and successfully return to their beloved homeland. We are all enriched by this remarkable feat! It bespeaks the strength, beauty, and unconquerable spirit of our diverse American peoples, now joined together on the same land." (Walter Echo-Hawk (Pawnee), author ofIn the Courts of the Conqueror: The 10 Worst Indian Law Cases Ever Decided)"People of the Big Voiceshould be in the hands of everyone who cares about the history of Indian people. Non-Indian photographer Charles Van Schaick did not intrude into the lives of his subjects, nor did he force his expectations and assumptions upon them. Instead, the Ho-Chunk people chose to have Van Schaick record their images. The photographs in this book thus offer a distinctive opportunity to encounter Indian people on their own terms." (Patricia Nelson Limerick, author ofThe Legacy of Conquest: The Unbroken Past of the American West)"People of the Big Voiceis a treasure trove connecting the past with the present—restoring Ho-Chunk memories and relatives back to life. This historical time-out touches the past, celebrates the present, and preserves family stories. These stunning photos and pointed narratives re-stimulate memories that money cannot buy."  (Norbert Hill (Oneida), author ofWords of Power: Voices from Indian America)"As a Ho-Chunk enrolled in the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a scholar, I feel very happy that our ancestors are honored and remembered in such beautiful photographs. A deeply touching and academically significant book,People of the Big Voiceis a must-read for all!" (Renya Ramirez (Ho-Chunk/Winnebago), associate professor of American studies, UC Santa Cruz)"People of the Big Voicemarks the emergence of critical scholarship on Ho-Chunk history and self-representation by Ho-Chunk scholars, with essays that combine analytical insights and personal reflections on Van Shaick’s photographs. A vital contribution to the understanding of Ho-Chunk history,People of the Big Voiceis a moving tribute to the individuals depicted in Van Schaick’s photographs, and a testament to the strength and survival of the Ho-Chunk Nation." (Grant Arndt, assistant professor of anthropology and American Indian studies, Iowa State University)"This well designed and well written book opens a doorway into another time, place and culture, but it's the hundreds of faces that look out at us from its pages that speak to us with a big voice." (Reggie McLeod,Big River Magazine)"This volume presents 330 duotone photographs taken over six decades. . . . Although taken in a studio with backdrops and props, the photographs are rich with cultural information, particularly as they depict clothing and material culture of the period. While Van Schaick was a commercial photographer, and the Ho-Chunk paying customers, the images are captivating, respectful, and dignified. (Library Journal) 2012 Winnerof the Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History2012 Bronzein the Multicultural Non-Fiction Category from Independent Publisher Book Awards2012 Winnerin the Best Overall Design Category from Next Generation Indie Book Awards2012 Winnerin the Multicultural Non-Fiction Category from Next Generation Indie Book Awards2011 Winnerin the Midwest Regional Interest-Illustration Category from Midwest Independent Publishers Association2011 Winnerin the Total Book Design Category from Midwest Independent Publishers Association2011 Winnerin the Photography: People Category from USA National Best Book Awards