Urban Tribes: Native Americans in the City - Paperback

by Lisa Charleyboy (Author), Mary Beth Leatherdale (Editor)

Young, urban Natives powerfully show how their culture and values can survive--and enrich--city life. Urban Tribes offers unique insight into this growing and often misperceived group. Emotionally potent and visually arresting, the anthology profiles young urban Natives from across North America, exploring how they connect with Native culture and values in their contemporary lives. Their stories are as diverse as they are. From a young Dene woman pursuing a MBA at Stanford to a Pima photographer in Phoenix to a Mohawk actress in New York, these urban Natives share their unique perspectives to bridge the divide between their past and their future, their cultural home, and their adopted cities. Unflinchingly honest and deeply moving, contributors explore a wide-range of topics. From the trials and tribulations of dating in the city to the alienating experience of leaving a remote reserve to attend high school in the city, from the mainstream success of Electric Pow wow music to the humiliation of dealing with racist school mascots, personal perspectives illuminate larger political issues. An innovative and highly visual design offers a dynamic, reading experience.

Author Biography

Lisa Charleyboy is editor-in-chief of "Urban Native Magazine," which focuses on pop culture with an Indigenous twist.

Mary Beth Leatherdale is the former editorial director at Owlkids.