Great Plains Studies, Center for
Date of this Version
1989
Abstract
This brief narrative was written by DeWitt Clinton Poole, Indian agent at the Whetstone Agency in Dakota Territory from 1869 to 1870. In a rather extensive introduction, Raymond DeMallie describes the establishment of the Agency and the difficulties Poole encountered there and admonishes the reader about Poole's paternalistic and racist view of Indian life. DeMallie reports: "Among the Sioux of Dakota is not a memorable book for its insight into American Indian culture . . . Poole failed to achieve any understanding of Sioux religion, admitting that he could see in it only 'selfishness and vindictiveness'" (lii). But DeMallie rightfully acknowledges the value of this document as a historic record not only of Sioux customs but also of the Brules' and Oglalas' experiences at this agency.
Comments
Published in Great Plains Quarterly SUMMER 1989 .Copyright 1989 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska—Lincoln.