This work builds on indigenous theory as evident in the writing of Willie Ermine, Gregory Cajete, Craig Womack, Jace Weaver, Laurie Anne Whitt, Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Voila Cordova, Dennis McPherson, and others. It works towards a criticism that, in accordance with the precepts of such theory, is community-oriented. It argues for a examination of literature in terms of its function for (or against) the community, in the expansive sense of the term.
IntroductionI. Academic Cowboys and North American IndiansII. When "i" Equals More than "Me": Constructions of Indigenous IdentityIII. Critical Warriors and "Hang-Around-the-Academy" Indians: Towards an Indigenist CriticismIV. The Essential Métis: Being HalfbreedV. Spirals, Maps, and Poetry: Re-Reading Joy HarjoConclusionLetter of Copyright PermissionList of Works Cited