Judith Fitzgerald (2) (1951–)

Epiphany-OviedoELCA. Library section 7 A: World Religions. I found this wonderful book in a Native American crafts store in Phoenix. What initially impressed me were its dignified vintage photographs of Native American Plains tribes women from pre-reservation days. The text explains the spirituality, religious beliefs, and family structure of Plains tribes women. These were matriarchal societies. Upon marriage the male went to live with the female's family. Women owned all the household goods. It was their responsibility to socialize the children, teach tribal customs and legends, and preserve spiritual faith through oral tradition. Spiritual legends and myths make up the text, as well as recollections about skilled individual female tribeswomen.
Many youngsters become fascinated with Native Americans as they learn about them in school. A book like this is perfec to share with children and will leave you all wanting to learn more. Make some Indian costumes and accessories: a gourd rattle, a piece of beadwork, a leather bag, a pair of mocassins. Instead of going to Disney's fake Frontierland, go see the real thing! Nothing beats climbing the ladders of the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, seeing the Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC, or visiting the Cherokee Museum at the entry to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park to make you all heirs of our nation's history, and all more appreciative of America's heritage.… (meer)