A Guide to the Indian Tribes of Oklahoma

by Muriel H. Wright

Lists alphabetically the Indian tribes of Oklahoma, twenty-nine of which have retained their tribal identity in the jurisdiction of the various Indian agencies, and thirty-eight small tribes and fragments no longer recognized separately, providing origin of tribal name, linguistic stock, physical characteristics, location, numbers, history, organizization, culture, ceremonials, and public dances.

300 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1987

Reviews

[Melea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was originally published in 1951 and it shows. I don't expect it to be up to date with tribal law, but there was a lot of condescension in speaking of the Original Inhabitants of our land. As an Oklahoma resident married to Cherokee Nation citizen, however, it was tough. The boarding schools were written of as though they were a good thing. I have always thought boarding schools were awful in general. Children need their parents and families. But we can no longer willfully shut our eyes to the injustices. Also, being "Christian" and giving up traditions is not something to good as the author repeatedly implies. I could go on and on.
I did find the shifting alliances among various villages and Nations interesting.
Overall, don't bother. Find some good, modern narratives instead.