- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press; New edition edition (Oct 15 1998)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0806130873
- ISBN-13: 978-0806130873
- Product Dimensions: 2.3 x 1.5 x 0.2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 408 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Product Description
The Nim (North Fork Mono) Indians have lived for centuries in a remote region of California’s Sierra Nevada. In this memoir, Gaylen D. Lee recounts the story of his Nim family across six generations. Drawing from the recollections of his grandparents, mother, and other relatives, Lee provides a deeply personal account of his people’s history and culture.
In keeping with the Nim’s traditional life-style, Lee’s memoir takes us through their annual seasonal cycle. He describes communal activities, such as food gathering, hunting and fishing, the processing of acorn (the Nim’s staple food), basketmaking, and ceremonies and games. Family photographs, some dating to the beginning of this century, enliven Lee’s descriptions.
Woven into the seasonal account is the disturbing story of Hispanic and white encroachment into the Nim world. Lee shows how the Mexican presence in the early nineteenth century, the Gold Rush, the Protestant conversion movement, and, more recently, the establishment of a national forest on traditional land have contributed to the erosion of Nim culture.
Walking Where We Lived is a bittersweet chronicle, revealing the persecution and hardships suffered by the Nim, but emphasizing their survival. Although many young Nim have little knowledge of the old ways and although the Nim are a minority in the land of their ancestors, the words of Lee’s grandmother remain a source of strength: "Ashupá. Don’t worry. It’s okay."
About the Author
Gaylen D. Lee is a descendent of the Pomona family, tradition leaders of the Nim's Eagle clan. A self-employed upholsterer, he has been active in the preservation of his family's culture throughout his life.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
By, not about, an Indian,
By A Customer
This review is from: Walking Where We Lived: Memoirs of a Mono Indian Family (Paperback)
The reader hears the authentic voice of a tribe of Indians of the US far west. Lee knows his people's language and uses Native words liberally. He exlains attitudes and concepts that were at such odds with white thinking that it made the Indians vulnerable to domination. He does not apologize for his people's culture. Adults whose knowledge of Indian life may have ended with elementary school social studies will find this book astonishing
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars (6 customer reviews) 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
An important book for Mono culture.,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Walking Where We Lived: Memoirs of a Mono Indian Family (Hardcover)
As a Mono Indian, I have nothing but words of praise for Gaylen Lee's work. He begins by saying that he only speaks for himself, which is important since our families' experiences are all so different depending on contact and acculturation. I am grateful that this book was written, as it is something all people can read, appreciate and gain understanding of a California tribe.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
By, not about, an Indian,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Walking Where We Lived: Memoirs of a Mono Indian Family (Paperback)
The reader hears the authentic voice of a tribe of Indians of the US far west. Lee knows his people's language and uses Native words liberally. He exlains attitudes and concepts that were at such odds with white thinking that it made the Indians vulnerable to domination. He does not apologize for his people's culture. Adults whose knowledge of Indian life may have ended with elementary school social studies will find this book astonishing
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fascinating Read,
By Sk8 Evangelist - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Walking Where We Lived: Memoirs of a Mono Indian Family (Paperback)
Gaylen Lee has offered a gem! This non-linear memoir is so thoughtfully written that it provides delicate insight into the history and life of the Mono Indians while wrapping you in the story along the way.Pulled along through the text you want to read more but not without appreciating each step. This is a true treasure. |
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