Research Paper On Hinmaton Yalatkit

Hinmaton Yalatkit ("Thunder Rolling over the Mountains"), or Chief Joseph as he is more popularly known, is among the most beloved of Native American figures; his sad life story and his powerful oratory having become part of national (and even international) consciousness. His life is among the most dissected of any Native person; even before his death in 1904, academic and popular writers were bringing attention to the man, his people, and what had, by that time, become ensconced as the Plight of the Red Man. Since his death, many more writers have followed suit, with the result that, in most research libraries, nearly an entire shelf might be devoted to various versions of Chief Joseph's life. Is it possible, then, that there is really anything
new to say about him? Is his story, as the subtitle of this book claims, really "untold"? Kent Nerburn seems to think it is, but after finishing this otherwise quite readable account of the life of the Nez Perce leader, I have to disagree. There is little that is new here, and indeed, much that is problematic--at least from an academic perspective.