My People the Sioux by Luther Standing Bear

Abstract

My People, the Sioux is an autobiography of Luther Standing Bear of the Sioux tribe. It was first published in 1928. The book consists of episodic chapters published with certain changes in different editions. Standing Bear authored the narrative in his 60's. Throughout his life, he observed numerous important occurrences either firsthand or through his family; these accounts include certain events such as the threats by white troops following the assassination of General Custer at the Battle of Wounded Knee. He was the very first student at the notorious Carlisle Indian Boarding School. The book provides a candid glimpse at a person who was proud of his Sioux history while working hard to integrate or get along with white people. This book is a great source of information about life among the Sioux Indians in Dakota and Nebraska, as well as a personal account of how one man battled for integration and respect as a legal American citizen.