We Should Come Together with a Good Thought: The Importance of Relationships in the Life of a Native American Church Roadman

Abstract

As an example of personal inter-relational anthropology, this dissertation explores the nature of person hood, relationships, and affectionate adoption between relatives in the life of a Native American Church roadman, of Kiowa and Cheyenne heritage. As indigenous and Native American scholars have challenged hegemonic assumptions about indigenous communities and peoples, so too does this dissertation offer ideas and critiques from the indigenous perspective, thus reinterpreting an individualistic perception of identity with a perspective on identity based upon shared relationships. The centrality of religion, ceremony, and religious social dynamics form a context through which many of these relationships emerge, are expressed, and transform through time. This dissertation explores how relationships are created, maintained, and formed through the sharing of story, of experiences, and time. Also explored are issues of gender dynamics, gender identity, and their part in shaping family relationships. Other dynamics discussed include contemporary Native American life, economic insecurity, alcohol and substance use, humor and story telling.