I also find peace in reading Native American myths and legends. The simplistic and real way the Indigenous people see the world and the creatures around them sets things right for me.
There is so much in the Indigenous cultures that calls to me and appeals to my believes and how I would like to be treated and how I treat others. The small bodies that have been dug up at the Indian schools in Canada have crushed my heart. How could one human do such atrocities to another? The treatment that has been dealt to the first people of this land has tormented me my entire life. How could one group of people push another off the land they had lived on for thousands of years and then try to take away their culture?
That is one of the reasons I write books with Native American characters. It is the injustice that was dealt to them that I wish to showcase. But I also wish to show that they are people, people who were and are trying to continue to live a pure life that is guided by the Creator, the land, and the creatures. The sayings, poems, and music of the Indigenous people speaks to me. Gives me peace. Maybe if more people listened, they too would find peace.
After all these years of misunderstanding and fear, we may just need to look to the Indigenous culture to save our world. They had been strong and resilient against their oppressors. They are growing stronger in voice and working to better their world, against many odds. And they are relearning their languages and cultures. Bringing them more peace and bringing up the next generations to love the land, their people, and the world.
My newest release, Poker Face, book 1 in the Spotted Pony Casino Mystery series, is set on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation. I enjoy showing the world, that there are Indigenous people who are working to get stronger and be heard.
Poker Face
Spotted Pony Casino Mystery
Book 1
Not even a year into being the assistant to the head of
security, Dela is promoted on a trial basis. When one of the casino employees
is found stabbed and stuffed in a laundry chute, she knows she can kiss head of
security good-bye if she doesn’t find the killer before the media gets hold of
the story.
While she is in over her head, she can’t decide if the FBI
Special Agent called in to help is a blessing or a curse. It’s a man she ran
across in Iraq who overrode her authority. When a second casino employee is
killed, Dela has to decide if she can trust the special agent with not only
keeping her job but keeping the rest of the casino employees safe.
Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 51 novels, 8 novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure. All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters.
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5 comments:
Paty,
I've always felt empathy towards the First People. Racism started with the colonists not treating the Indians with the respect they deserved. All the atrocities over the years pushing the people on to reservations that couldn't sustain them, Always the worse land around.
I do enjoy your books. Thanks for all your enjoyable stories!
Diana, Thank you for your comment and stopping by!
As with so much in our history, we are still learning new things about Native Americans and our relationship with them. I agree that they have been mistreated and often continue to be. I am glad you write about Native Americans in your books and that you go to extra lengths to make sure they are as accurate as possible by including Native American tribal councils, beta readers, and doing the research necessary.
I look forward to a day when no one is treated with prejudice and we can approach each other believing that it is character that matters--not the color of skin, the religion one practices, or the cultural beliefs one values. I hope that day comes soon.
Maggie, I agree.
Such a beautiful post, Paty.
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