COUNCIL GROVE, Kan. - I probably shouldn't, but I write about the history of the Kanza (Kaw) Indians.
More specifically, I write a monthly column called "The Kanza Reserve 150 Years Ago" published in the local daily paper, The Council Grove Republican. The column describes an event involving either the Kanzas or Council Grove that took place that particular month 150 years ago, then elaborates on the theme inhered in the event. For example, this month (February, 2010), the seminal event was about how in early February 1860, a group of Kanzas stole a keg of whiskey in Cottonwood Falls, then indulged in a brawl during which three of them were killed.
The thematic elaboration chronicles the ubiquitous nature of whiskey consumption among both Indians and whites on the Kansas frontier in the late 1850s and early 1860s, frequently with attendant violence. The article makes it clear that most everyone in early-day Kansas was "in their cups" and the Kanzas, rather than demonstrating moral deficiency, reflected the behavior of the whites surrounding them. The article concludes with this: "It seems the government's policy of 'acculturation' whereby the Kanzas were educated to adapt white men's attitudes and habits was successful in at least one area--the common vice of drunkenness."
January's topic was wolf-killing, December's a child who disappeared, October's and November's the Kanza Treaty of 1859 and so forth. So far I have written nineteen articles. Next month will be about the Kanzas' habit of performing dances for white people in eastern Kansas.
Below are listed a few reasons why I probably shouldn't be writing about the Kanzas 150 years ago:
- I am not academically credentialed.
- I am not published in respected journals.
- Most of the historical sources I have to draw on are, by today's standards, unbelievably racist.
- I am a 21st century white man interpreting the lives of 19th century Indians.
In my next column I intend to explore these issues. I know I can build a pretty solid case against my continuing to do these articles. I feel a profound ambivalence about the whole enterprise. I also intend to try to articulate why I have persisted.
Welcome to Kansas Free Press, Ron! How wonderful that you will explore the Kanzas or Council Grove history here. We, your readers, are in for a real delight! Thank you. Once again, welcome!
I enjoyed this article so much. It is refreshing to read an author who confronts obstacles directly. I am eager to read more.