In Honor of Vine Deloria, Jr.

The great indigenous visionary, philosopher, author and activist Vine Deloria, Jr. passed over to join his ancestors today, November 13, 2005. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife, Barbara, to his children and his other relatives. The passing of Vine creates a huge intellectual and analytical void in the native and non-native worlds. He will be greatly missed.

It is appropriate on this website to reflect on the meaning of Vine's contibutions to indigenous peoples' resistance, and to reflect on our responsibilities to maintain and to advance the lessons that Vine gave to us. It is safe to say that without the example provided by the writing and the thinking of Vine Deloria, Jr., there likely would have been no American Indian Movement, there would be no international indigenous peoples' movement as it exists today, and there would be little hope for the future of indigenous peoples in the Americas.

Vine Deloria, Jr. was a true revolutionary when he wrote "Custer Died
for Your Sins" in 1969, the first of his scores of books and scholarly
articles (for a partial bibliography of Vine's important books go to:
http://www.ipl.org/div/natam/bin/browse.pl/A31). He had the courage and the vision to challenge the dominating society at its core. He was
unapologetic in confronting the racism of U.S.law and policy, and he
was prophetic in challenging young indigenous activists to hone their
strategies.

"Bury My Heart at Wonded Knee" one of the best.

He did write "Custer Died For Your Sins," and "God Is Red," one of the finest books ever written. Saw him in Indy just a year or two ago, so this comes as a shock. He will be sorely missed.

But I did read his other books and how come I'm not seeing his death notice in the news?

was a good one, I had to read it my junior year of college...

but he was a great writer and a great leader, intellectually and otherwise. The stars in Father Sky will shine a little less brightly tonight.
:cry:

"he was prophetic in challenging young indigenous activists to hone their strategies."

As I recall, he said that they should do so with love and understanding, not with militancy, for indeed he was a very reverent man.

following Native traditional ways without being "very reverent." It's not possible; Native traditional ways strike me as reverent above all else. Reverence for all things, pretty much: "all my relations."

I've never had the privilege of reading anything by him, but I know of him. Professor at a University in Colorado, if I recall.

I've tried to somewhat keep track of any news of him thru' the years.


One of my most prized possessions is his book "God is Red". It's the only thing I have of my late sister.

May he rest in peace.

Another great human being, gone. Thanks to those of you who have replied.

:grouphug:

He was a true pioneer in the American Indian Movement, just as Russell Means is now.

His contributions were incredible. Custer Died for Your Sins had a big influence on me; it's time for a re-read.

He will be truly missed. God is Red is a wonderful, wonderful book.

I have been reading many essays by his son, Philip Deloria, in my American Studies course this semester...

RIP Vine.

I've read his books too... they are some of my keepers.

I think I've quoted Vine more than any other individual in my posts here on DU. No one better illustrates the subtle humor found in traditional Indian culture. But his contributions enriched everyone, and he will be sorely missed.