Editor's Commentary

This issue is a tribute to the memory of Vine Deloria Jr. who entered the spirit world on November 13, 2005. Vine's legacy as a champion of Indian rights will cast a shadow over American Indian studies and related areas of study for years to come. As a social critic, educator, and activist, Vine wrote with passion and sardonic humor about Indians' struggles for sacred-sites protection, repatriation, religious freedom, sovereignty, treaty rights, and dignity in a society that often treats its indigenous peoples and cultures with unbridled disrespect and tyranny. In doing so, he challenged the myth of white superiority, laying solid intellectual foundation for his contemporaries and future generations of scholars to build upon. Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, David E. Wilkins, Edward Valandra, Tink Tinker, and Sidner Larson, who all knew him personally, share their views about his influence on them and the literature about American Indians. As they all state, Vine will be missed. Fortunately, his more than twenty books and numerous journal articles immortalize his seventy-two years of life on our Mother Earth.

There is more sad news. Beatrice Medicine, a founding editor of Wicazo Sa Review, died the following month, on December 19. Her writings advocate the rights of indigenous women, children, and families, as well of those of gays, lesbians, and transgendered people. Her passing leaves a void in the discipline of anthropology. Unfortunately, this editor was unable to solicit essays in her memory for publication in this issue. It is hoped that this can be done for the next issue.

I also want to take this time to acknowledge the passing in 2005 of two others who bravely espoused Indian rights. Francis Brown was a Northern Arapaho spiritual leader and an important figure in the battle to preserve the sanctity of sacred places. He was a longtime president of the Medicine Wheel Coalition for Sacred Sites of North America. Michael Haney, a Seminole/Lakota and an American Indian Movement activist, risked his freedom and safety by fighting the disrespect many white Americans and institutions held toward the burial rights of Indian peoples. He was also at the front of the movement against racist logos in sports and other issues. Both of them deserve scholarly treatments of their activism and contributions to the struggle for indigenous rights.

Although we feel the weight of the loss of these people, they would not want us to dwell on their passing. Articles in this issue address a range of topics that would be important to them. Steve Talbot takes a penetrating look at the federal policy of spiritual genocide that affected Indian cultures. Melissa Nelson offers a view of the National Museum of the American Indian. Darren J. Ranco tackles major issues facing him as a native scholar in anthropology. Lloyd Lee discusses identity matters pertinent to the Navajo Nation and other Indians as well. Studies by Cynthia Carsten and Laura J. Beard pertain to the writings of two important Native literary figures, Leslie Marmon Silko and Ray Young Bear, respectively.

Rest in peace you valiant warriors. Vine, Bea, Francis, and Mike, you have inspired us and future generations with your bravery, wisdom, and devotion to native rights.