Bear Island

Bear Island

The War at Sugar Point

Gerald Vizenor
Foreword by Jace Weaver

Table of Contents

$19.95 cloth/jacket
ISBN: 0-8166-4699-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8166-4699-9

An award-winning Native American writer recounts the “last Indian war” in verse.

Drawing on the traditional ways of Anishinaabe storytelling, acclaimed poet Gerald Vizenor illuminates the 1898 battle at Sugar Point in Minnesota in this epic poem. Fought between the Pillagers of the Leech Lake Reservation (one of the original five clans of the Anishinaabe tribe) and U.S. soldiers, the battle marked a turning point in relations between the government and Native Americans. Although out-numbered by more than three to one, the Pillager fighters won convincingly.

Weaving together strands of myth, memory, legend, and history, Bear Island lyrically conveys a historical event that has been forgotten not only by the majority culture but also by some Anishinaabe people—bringing back to light a key moment in Minnesota’s history with clarity of vision and emotional resonance.

“Written in the format of a narrative poem based on extensive research which draws from myth, memory, legend, and history, Bear Island vividly depicts a succinct episode in Native American history.” —Midwest Book Review

“An epic poem by Gerald Vizenor about the battle between the Pillagers of the Leech Lake Reservation and U.S. soldiers on Oct. 5, 1898, which marked a turning point in relations between the government and American Indians.” —Duluth News Tribune

“If you’ve ever wondered about those parts of history that are hidden or forgotten, pick up a copy of this book. You’ll be mesmerized.” —West Fargo Pioneer

Gerald Vizenor is professor of American studies at the University of New Mexico. He is a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, White Earth Reservation. His previous books include Bearheart, Interior Landscapes, The People Named the Chippewa and Griever, for which he won an American Book Award.

Jace Weaver is professor and director of the Institute of Native American Studies at the University of Georgia.

112 pages | 5 3⁄8 x 8 1⁄2 | 2006
Indigenous Americas Series

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword
Jace Weaver

Bear Island
Introduction: The War at Sugar Point

1. Overture: Manidoo Creations
2. Bagwana: The Pillagers of Liberty
3. Hole in the Day: Grafters and Warrants
4. Bearwalkers: 5 October 1898
5. Gatling Gun: 6 October 1898
6. War Necklace: 9 October 1898



Bear Island *The War at Sugar Point* Gerald Vizenor Foreword by Jace Weaver Table of Contents		$19.95 cloth/jacket ISBN: 0-8166-4699-6 ISBN-13: 978-0-8166-4699-9
An award-winning Native American writer recounts the “last Indian war” in verse. Drawing on the traditional ways of Anishinaabe storytelling, acclaimed poet Gerald Vizenor illuminates the 1898 battle at Sugar Point in Minnesota in this epic poem. Fought between the Pillagers of the Leech Lake Reservation (one of the original five clans of the Anishinaabe tribe) and U.S. soldiers, the battle marked a turning point in relations between the government and Native Americans. Although out-numbered by more than three to one, the Pillager fighters won convincingly. Weaving together strands of myth, memory, legend, and history, Bear Island lyrically conveys a historical event that has been forgotten not only by the majority culture but also by some Anishinaabe people—bringing back to light a key moment in Minnesota’s history with clarity of vision and emotional resonance. “Written in the format of a narrative poem based on extensive research which draws from myth, memory, legend, and history, Bear Island vividly depicts a succinct episode in Native American history.” —Midwest Book Review “An epic poem by Gerald Vizenor about the battle between the Pillagers of the Leech Lake Reservation and U.S. soldiers on Oct. 5, 1898, which marked a turning point in relations between the government and American Indians.” —Duluth News Tribune “If you’ve ever wondered about those parts of history that are hidden or forgotten, pick up a copy of this book. You’ll be mesmerized.” —West Fargo Pioneer Gerald Vizenor is professor of American studies at the University of New Mexico. He is a member of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, White Earth Reservation. His previous books include Bearheart, Interior Landscapes, The People Named the Chippewa and Griever, for which he won an American Book Award. Jace Weaver is professor and director of the Institute of Native American Studies at the University of Georgia. 112 pages \| 5 3⁄8 x 8 1⁄2 \| 2006 Indigenous Americas Series TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword Jace Weaver Bear Island Introduction: The War at Sugar Point 1. Overture: Manidoo Creations 2. Bagwana: The Pillagers of Liberty 3. Hole in the Day: Grafters and Warrants 4. Bearwalkers: 5 October 1898 5. Gatling Gun: 6 October 1898 6. War Necklace: 9 October 1898