Skunk Hill

A Native Ceremonial Community in Wisconsin

Nonfiction, History, Americas, Native American, United States
Cover of the book Skunk Hill by Robert A. Birmingham, Wisconsin Historical Society Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert A. Birmingham ISBN: 9780870207068
Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press Publication: November 2, 2015
Imprint: Wisconsin Historical Society Press Language: English
Author: Robert A. Birmingham
ISBN: 9780870207068
Publisher: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
Publication: November 2, 2015
Imprint: Wisconsin Historical Society Press
Language: English

Rising above the countryside of Wood County, Wisconsin, Powers Bluff is a large outcrop of quartzite rock that resisted the glaciers that flattened the surrounding countryside. It is an appropriate symbol for the Native people who once lived on its slopes, quietly resisting social forces that would have crushed and eroded their culture. A large band of Potawatomi, many returnees from the Kansas Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation, established the village of Tah-qua-kik or Skunk Hill in 1905 on the 300-foot-high bluff, up against the oddly shaped rocks that topped the hill and protected the community from the cold winter winds.
 
In Skunk Hill, archeologist Robert A. Birmingham traces the largely unknown story of this community, detailing the role it played in preserving Native culture through a harsh period of US Indian policy from the 1880s to 1930s. The story’s central focus is the Drum Dance, also known as the Dream Dance or Big Drum, a pan-tribal cultural revitalization movement that swept the Upper Midwest during the Great Suppression, emphasizing Native values and rejecting the vices of the white world. Though the community disbanded by the 1930s, the site, now on the National Register of Historic
Places with two dance circles still visible on the grounds, stands as testimony to the efforts of its members to resist cultural assimilation. 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Rising above the countryside of Wood County, Wisconsin, Powers Bluff is a large outcrop of quartzite rock that resisted the glaciers that flattened the surrounding countryside. It is an appropriate symbol for the Native people who once lived on its slopes, quietly resisting social forces that would have crushed and eroded their culture. A large band of Potawatomi, many returnees from the Kansas Prairie Band Potawatomi reservation, established the village of Tah-qua-kik or Skunk Hill in 1905 on the 300-foot-high bluff, up against the oddly shaped rocks that topped the hill and protected the community from the cold winter winds.
 
In Skunk Hill, archeologist Robert A. Birmingham traces the largely unknown story of this community, detailing the role it played in preserving Native culture through a harsh period of US Indian policy from the 1880s to 1930s. The story’s central focus is the Drum Dance, also known as the Dream Dance or Big Drum, a pan-tribal cultural revitalization movement that swept the Upper Midwest during the Great Suppression, emphasizing Native values and rejecting the vices of the white world. Though the community disbanded by the 1930s, the site, now on the National Register of Historic
Places with two dance circles still visible on the grounds, stands as testimony to the efforts of its members to resist cultural assimilation. 

More books from Wisconsin Historical Society Press

Cover of the book James Madison by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Steam & Cinders by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book On the Hunt by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Danger, Man Working by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Caroline Quarlls and the Underground Railroad by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Perimeter by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Irish in Wisconsin by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Proxmire by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Tavern League by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Polka Heartland by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Borchert Field by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Seventh Generation Earth Ethics by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book The Wisconsin Capitol by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book The Flavor of Wisconsin by Robert A. Birmingham
Cover of the book Odd Wisconsin by Robert A. Birmingham
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy