Full metadata
Title
To take positive and effective action: Rupert Costo and the California based American Indian Historical Society
Description
Twentieth century California Indians have received muted attention from scholars. The sheer size and diversity of California Indians can be overwhelming. Geographically, California is the third largest state and home to one hundred and ten federally recognized tribes. California Indians created alliances across the state among diverse tribal groups. Indian advocacy and activism of the twentieth century has been a limited discussion focused on four major events: Alcatraz occupation of 1969; Trail of Broken Treaties and subsequent occupation of the Bureau of Indian Affairs building of 1972; Wounded Knee of 1973; and the "Longest Walk" in 1978. These four major developments should not be ignored. However, the discussion should be broader and include diverse forms of advocacy and activism. In 1964 Rupert Costo, Cahuilla, his wife Jeannette Henry-Costo, Eastern Cherokee, and thirteen Indians from diverse tribes, largely from California, founded the American Indian Historical Society (AIHS). Costo served as president of the organization until its dissolution in 1986. The San Francisco based group sought to improve education, communication, and cultural development among Indians. Members of this activist organization challenged textbooks, testified at congressional hearings, created an Indian controlled publishing house, coordinated community meetings, and lobbied for protection of burial grounds. It also circulated, Wassaja, one of the first national Indian newspapers with original content. Through its publications, the AIHS sought to inform and promote mutual understanding between Indians and non-Indians. The AIHS' philosophy centered on the belief that Indians could, through their own initiative and innovation, lead the fight in Indian affairs. Through the years, the AIHS supported Indian issues and efforts of individual tribes to preserve their rights. Thus, the AIHS defended tribal self-determination and rejected pan-indianism. The federal government policy of relocation encouraged non-California Indians to move into California. Relocation caused friction as the focus by many in the mainstream media turned its attention to relocated Indians which increasingly rendered California Indians invisible. However, with conscientious effort the AIHS worked towards informing and educating Indians and non-Indians.
Date Created
2013
Contributors
- Soza War Soldier, Rose Delia (Author)
- Iverson, Peter (Thesis advisor)
- Fixico, Donald (Thesis advisor)
- Reed, Annette (Committee member)
- Riding In, James (Committee member)
- Whitaker, Matthew (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Topical Subject
Resource Type
Extent
ix, 399 p. : ill. (some col.)
Language
eng
Copyright Statement
In Copyright
Primary Member of
Peer-reviewed
No
Open Access
No
Handle
https://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.21023
Statement of Responsibility
by Rose Delia Soza War Soldier
Description Source
Viewed on Apr. 27, 2015
Level of coding
full
Note
thesis
Partial requirement for: Ph. D., Arizona State University, 2013
bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (p. 348-367)
Field of study: History
System Created
- 2014-01-31 11:38:14
System Modified
- 2021-08-30 01:36:28
- 3 years 2 months ago
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