Ehanamani: Walks Among

by Allen C. Ross-Ehanamani

The Santee Dakota author of Mitakuye Oyasin shares a "sundance experience"--one that led him to discover that the Federal Reserve System is controlled by private bankers. With updated and additional information, this book tells how the rich escape paying their share of taxes, how American Indian poverty is perpetuated by the Fed, and how we can learn to rid ourselves of the national debt. (B.E.A.R. Publishing)

Genres: Autobiography, Native American

226 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[IAmTheHolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Ehanamani (Walks Among), aka AC Ross's autobiography.  He tells of his early years as a D/Lakota boy on the Flandereau Santee Sioux reservation in South Dakota, his growing up through the military and college, and his work as an educator, both formally as a school superintendent and informally as a lecturer.  

I found this book such a tiny yet fascinating glimpse into the worldview of an Indian (yes, he calls himself an Indian, so this is not offensive).  I enjoyed his tellings of different visions, dream interpretations, healing through sweat lodges...all things that I know very little about.  I would have loved to hear more details about these things because I am so unfamiliar with these ceremonies.  However, it was interesting anyway, even without this background information.  He talks some about his spiritual beliefs, which he describes as Christ and the Indian spirit world being the same thing.  He also goes into discussions about the issues of alcoholism on the reservations, the issues with the American welfare system, and how these things affect lasting poverty both on the reservations and in America in general.

I found this book interesting in so many ways.  I enjoy hearing a person's story and how they got to where they are now.  I am fascinated by Indian culture, especially after a workshop at Glacier National Park I was so lucky to attend last year where I had the opportunity to listen to and interact with Blackfoot and Salish/Kootenai speakers.  Also as an educator, it was interesting to hear some of his perspectives on education on reservations.  Basically, reading this book was like sitting down and listening to an Indian elder tell you stories - and it was fascinating! 

-Holly

Also the author listed on the Goodreads page is not the correct author.  The author of this book is AC Ross and he was born on a reservation in South Dakota and served in the US military as a paratrooper in Germany.  He wasn't born in England like the Alan Ross listed on Goodreads! Anyone know how to report that or change that info on Goodreads??

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this book. The narration seems to wander back and forth in a way that is confusing. It did give me additional insight into the plight of the indigenous people in this country. There is an interesting confluence of christianity and the spiritual beliefs and rites of Ehanamani’s tribe. The book was written in 1992 and I seriously wonder about some of the things mentioned. e.g. He speaks glowingly of Russia and how much better things are now that the Berlin wall has come down and the USSR has split up. That does not ring true for me in 2023. There are also a number of proof reading errors throughout the book. It almost needs an updated edition.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Allen "Chuck" Ross was born on the Rosebud Sioux reservation in 1940. His mother was a teacher and his father was a police officer until he went into the Army to fight in WWII. Ross's mother then took him to her home reservation in Flandreau, South Dakota.
The book tells a lot about Ross's growing up years while living on several SD/ND reservations. It would have been a better book if he had stayed in that vein. Instead, Ross veers off to talk about UFOs, the Federal Reserve banking system, and various educational philosophies. He rambles and the book lakes cohesiveness. Not really a worthwhile book to read.