The Reservation

by Ted C. Williams

A series of stories chronicling life on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation during the 19540s and 50s and the impact of of American ways on the Tribe's culture and traditions.

275 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Don Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author grew up on the Tuscarora Reservation in western New York in the 40s and 50s. This is his memoir of life there, including all of the sometimes eccentric characters he knew. There is much humor, though it is tempered by the sense of place and how this place came into being. How natives were forced onto these small parcels of land after their ancestral land was taken from them.

It culminates in the building of a reservoir that eats into yet more of the reservation land. Even after whites have taken almost all of it, they still want more. The natives resist as best they can, and you root for them. But the reservoir goes through eventually. Williams is incredibly lighthearted for having gone through this, but those he knew speak their anger and frustration through him. The final chapter consists of words from some of the elders on the reservation. Their stories are moving and wise. If only the rest of us would listen to them. This is a valuable and sadly overlooked chronicle of a time and place that is too often ignored in our history. I happened to pick up an old stained copy at a yard sale. I hope someone sees fit to bring it back into print.

[Rishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRULY MASTERFUL Tuscarora storytelling. This book should be much, much more widely read.

[Cynthia Latimore · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy Native American History and what it was like growing up on the Tuscarora reservation near Niagara Falls NY during 1930-1960 told by a Native American you will enjoy this story!

[samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

good, quick, easy read...