Criticism, Native American, World, Speeches, Literary, Public Speaking, Native American Studies 

Remarkable for their eloquence, depth of feeling, and oratorical mastery, these 82 compelling speeches encompass 5 centuries of Indian encounters with nonindigenous people. Beginning with a 1540 refusal by a Timucua chief to parley with Hernando de Soto ("With such a people I want no peace"), the collection extends to the 20th-century address of activist Russell Means to the United Nations affiliates and members of the Human Rights Commission ("We are people who love in the belly of the monster").

Memorable orations include Red Jacket's "We like our religion, and do not want another" (1811); Red Cloud's "The Great Spirit made us both" (1870); Sitting Bull's "The life my people want is a life of freedom" (1882); and more by Tecumseh, Geronimo, Crazy Horse, and others.

Graced by forceful metaphors and vivid imagery expressing emotions that range from the utmost indignation to the deepest sorrow, these addresses are deeply moving documents that offer a window into the hearts and minds of Native Americans as they struggled against the overwhelming tide of European and American encroachment.