|
My
publishers told me, “No one will help you promote your book. You must do
it alone.” I'm going to prove them wrong. Since the first story is about my
Ponca grandmother, Elizabeth, who graduated and worked at Chilocco at the
turn of the century I believe the alumni, will help me promote this
important story.
Elizabeth was no
different than we were. She came from her tribe, spoke her language and
after first being in a White Eagle boarding school she then went to
Chilocco. This story is a strong one and tells about the great thing that
happened here in this country with a diverse group of tribes being educated
in the White man's world. Most of us had no alternative and we were wise
enough even at a tender age to know we wanted to survive and to achieve.
Some of that, of course, came from the school but most of it came from our
own spirit and strength. It was as if a higher power hand picked us to go
through the regimen of a school comparable to a military establishment at
one time.
So, I'm pleading with
you, for all the ties that held us together to at this time go forward with
promoting my book for me. For you who have computers you can pick it up at
Publish America or on my web page in Scotland, Electric Scotland:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/america/donna/index.htm
In promoting the book you
will be helping with what we are trying to achieve and that is to bring
attention to where the deplorable state our grand old alma mater has fallen.
Saving these buildings could mean the possible offering of housing to people
should they need to help rebuild after any disaster since the old school is
centrally located between towns.
The
above is the appeal I made to the alumni. There were many things discussed
but at this point nothing firm other than March 10 which will be the tour of
Chilocco. Meet at The Main Street Heritage Center, Newkirk, at four o'clock
on the east side of the street. Seven o'clock a slide show of Chilocco by
Bret Carter will be held at the Heritage Center. Claudine King and I will
speak. |
