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Review: There There by Tommy Orange – What Does It Mean To Be A True Indian?
“What does it mean to be a real Indian?” Orvil Red Feather wonders, along with many others who also try to understand what it means to be Native American. In the novel There There by Tommy Orange, it talks about several Native Americans, all different ages, who grew up in America. Using different perspectives, Orange leads us through each character’s life, their troubles, pain, happiness, and their questions on how to be Native. Though there are many answers the book provides for this question, one of the main ways the author Tommy Orange shows how to be a “real” Native American for the characters is by understanding their own history and ancestors.
The book starts off with an intense prologue about what really happened to Natives and how cruelly they were treated. While in most books they only talk about Natives and colonists being happy friends, it was the complete opposite. “They did more than kill us. They tore us up. Mutilated us. Broke our fingers to take our rings, cut off our ears to take our silver, scalped us for our hair” (Orange 6). This quote shows how these actions were filled with cruelty for no necessary reason. Colonists harmed Natives in ways that hurt to describe. These brutal massascres are such an important part of the Native history, and for Natives to not know their own past causes them to be blinded by the usual books that talk about colonists “saving” Natives. By connecting with the past, it’ll help Natives feel and be more “Native” because they can understand more of what happened to people that are like them.
While Native history is very gruesome, there are also places like powwows that show the happy parts of the Native past. In the coliseum there are powwow hats, dream catchers, flutes, tomahawks, Indian jewelry, and even bows and arrows. Powwows are also a place for powwow dancing, which is their traditional dance. One of the dancers says to Orvil before he dances, “The dance is your prayer … There’s only one way for an Indian man to express himself” (Orange 213). This shows the power that comes from a part of their history. In Native history, they do a lot of powwow dancing. Even in modern times such as in the book, powwow dancing still gives them a feeling of expression. With the powwow bringing powwow dancing, it also brings a part of history Natives can relate to and to enjoy. Other than understanding the bad parts of the Native history, it’s also important to remember the happier times. Powwows also honor the past and their ancestors, before colonists took over. By practicing their history through powwows, they can celebrate the past together and feel connected.
Knowing their Native past also allows some of the characters to feel more fulfilled. Especially in the chapter Edwin Black, Edwin was dying to know what his other Native half was. Edwin’s mom is white, and Edwin never met his dad who is Native. Edwin had studied Natives for a long time, trying to find signs about who he really is. One day, he uses his mom’s Facebook to reach out to accounts with his dad’s name Harvey, and finally finds his dad. Instead of talking more about their life as father and son would usually do, Edwin immediately asks what tribe they were in. After finding out he was Cheyenne, instead of talking more with his dad, he quickly says thanks and goodbye. Through understanding his history and where he’s from, Edwin feels like his empty hole of questions was filled. For many others, understanding their tribes, ancestors, and history can also help them feel happier too.
Indian history is important to remember since most books have already blurred it. Books talk about how great Thanksgiving was, when it only was a trade of land with the second one being a poisoning. Even so, few people know and still celebrate it as a wonderful holiday. It’s important for Natives to understand their almost lost history and to save it. To remember the dark and happy times and continue to share it. Whether that be through telling their kids, going to powwows, dancing, or researching the truth. Such an intense yet beautiful history is important to be remembered the right way.