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"I wrote this book with the idea that it encourages a better understanding of other people. I also want it to raise a curiosity of your own heritage." — Cheewa James, Author
Impact today on Modoc tribal split in 1873.
When the tribe was split, 150 men, women and children were sent to Oklahoma Indian Territory as prisoners of war. The rest, approximately 100 Modocs who had not participated in the war, were placed on the Klamath Reservation in Oregon. The separation was, understandably, excruciating and bewildering for the Modocs.
In writing this book, James interviewed descendants in both locations, and was struck by the fact that even though these people were directly related, they did not know each other. For many, it was through James’ research that they became actively aware of the “other half.” As one young girl said, “I wonder how the Modoc girls in Oklahoma live and if they are like me?”
Coke Crume (yes, she was named for her love of Coca Cola!) is a Klamath Reservation Modoc elder in her 70s. Her grandmother actually lived in Oklahoma as an exile but returned in her later years to Oregon. “Before I pass on, I want to see my relatives,” says Crume. “I want to shake hands with—no I want to hug—those people. They are of my blood.”
James has, as her personal mission, a campaign to reunite the Modocs. “We live in a fast-paced, highly traveled, technological world. We need to find a way to bring significant numbers of these people together. I can only imagine the historical impact of the two groups meeting at Captain Jack’s Stronghold in the Lava Beds, site of the Modoc War, 135 years after their ancestors were torn apart.”
Parallels between the California/Oregon Modoc War and today's Iraq War.
Both wars were fought by people who had different cultural backgrounds, religions, languages, and lifestyles. The terrain and climate was foreign to U. S. soldiers in both wars. James can discuss the ways that both U. S. troops and their adversaries in both wars adapted, or failed to adapt, to these differences.
Women of the early West.
Little is written about the women, both Native American and settlers, who were involved in the settlement of the West and the conflicts that arose. During the war, Modoc women and children were with the warriors and present during most of the battles. What was the psychological, cultural impact on these families? James also uncovered research that backed up the legend of a woman warrior. To her amazement, she found that the woman was her great-great grandmother.
Settler women reacted with great ingenuity and heart to attacks by Modocs in the early part of the war. As James researched that part of history, she found settler women were not identified by first name, only referred to in reference to their husband. It took months of research, but the settler women in Modoc: The Tribe That Wouldn’t Die now have first names.
Both Modoc and settler women play significant roles in James’ book, unlike the multitudes of other books written on the Modocs.
Ways to teach your child to survive and enjoy living in a diverse society.
James possesses a secondary teaching credential and is trained to help parents work with young people. As a professional speaker she conducts workshops for parents and educators on ways to help children develop pride and confidence in who they are. America is a land filled with children of mixed heritage. The more comfortably a young person is tutored to understand the merits of a diverse society, the more successful they will be in that society.
Steps to recording your family history—and why it should be done.
Genealogy is in vogue, and certainly searching a family tree is a rewarding experience. But it is of equal value to document living history, that is, documenting personal and family history as it exists today.
Cheewa is knowledgeable and experienced in “life writing.” Major parts of her book include what she has documented about her own life and that of her immediate family. She can offer insight and tips to radio, TV, and print audiences on how to successfully become a “life writer.”
