Tim Giago: Deloria gave Indian people a voice

Opinion
Tim Giago: Deloria gave Indian people a voice
Tuesday, November 22, 2005

"I remember 40 years ago when we (Indians) didn�t have an author who was one of us, one who could write a book from an Indian perspective and believe it or not, an Indian does see things in a whole different way than a non-Indian.

When Vine�s books like God is Red and Custer Died for Your Sins, and his writings that appeared in magazines and newspapers across America, it gave heart to all Indians. We, at last, had a champion who could be our voice and our conscience.

And when some of us became discouraged and disillusioned about America, Vine would let us know that we were not alone and that things would get better. He once told me, �Tim, keep that newspaper going and keep on writing because it does make a difference.�

Professor Deloria will be greatly missed by all Native Americans and by many of his non-Indian friends. He gave us light where there had been darkness and courage where there had been fear. For many, he will live on forever in the books he gave us. His words will always be a part of our history, our traditions and our culture."

Get the Story:
Notes from Indian Country (The Native American Times 11/21)

Indian Country Today Articles from January 10, 2005:
Wilma Mankiller: An original thinker with a warrior's spirit
Suzan Shown Harjo: Selective memories of Vine Deloria Jr.
Faith Spotted Eagle: Deksi (Uncle) Vine
Charlie Wilkins: Visionary thinker and wordsmith par excellence
Hank Adams: A Vine Deloria Jr. collaboration: The first decade
John Mohawk: Vine Deloria Jr.'s unfolding legacy
Philip Deloria: Tales of a remarkable father
Norbert Hill: A hero to many