Messengers of the Wind: Native American Women Tell Their Life Stories

by Jane B. Katz

"Messengers of the Wind goes beyond the autobiographies of everyday women. These are women who have long been an invisible part of American culture. Their stories are haunting, frightening, encouraging, and courageous. . . . Katz is a faithful guide." —The Minnesota Daily

In Messengers of the Wind, Native American women, old and young, from a variety of tribal groups, speak with eloquence and passion about their experience on the land and in urban areas; about their work as artists, activists, and healers; as grandmothers, mothers, and daughters; as modern women with a link to the past. And as each woman, renowned and obscure, tells her remarkable personal story, it is clear that each has tapped into the power that comes from within and has reached back into a history that brings with it courage and hope.

" 'Giving energy to Mother Earth'—Yes. That is our duty as women, as Natives, and as human beings. Messengers of the Wind is a way of doing just that. It is not a dance, feet patting our mother, but it is an offering, the voices of the women sent to comfort her. Thank-you, Jane Katz, for your offering. It is a special and much-needed gift." —Paula Gunn Allen, author of Voice of the Turtle

"COMPELLING. . . INTIMATE." —The Cleveland Plain Dealer

"A RICH COLLECTION OF PERSONAL STORIES. . .REWARDING. . . These are powerful women with important stories to tell." —Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Native American, History, Nonfiction, Indigenous, Biography, Spirituality, Native Americans

337 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 1996

Reviews

[Shelbey Saffer]

A very personal look into the lives of Native American women from many different backgrounds, this book was both depressing and refreshing. The author did a great job presenting the women's stories authentically, straying from the narrative only to add background information necessary to understand the history of those she interviewed.

[Erica Fraser]

Life stories of Native American women. Depressing at times but such an important (and good) read.

[Helen]

Relatively boring. One story, From My Grandmother I Learned About Sadness was very good

[Random Clover]

God I love women and their resilience

[happydog]

I like to hear what women have to say!

[happydog]

A great books that tells the various stories of Native American women.

[Eileen]

Great interviews of strong native american women.