“Because it isn’t ‘Indian’ enough”

     Powell analyses of Winnemucca’s autobiography and other texts shows throughout that Winnemucca knew how to use rhetoric to sway white American in particular women. However, in the analyses, Powell also gives the analyses of other authors who analyzed Native American texts. From these other authors I would like to give a rant that these analyses are cringe-worthy and as audience members misinterpret texts from Native Americans.

     On page 73 it states “Winnemucca’s biography is usually situated alongside those of the ‘mythical’ Indian women lie Pocahontas and Sacajawea and interpreted as one in a series of heroic figurations that Rayna Green has identified as the ‘Indian Princess.’ In short, according to Green, the authenticating device for the Princess, the ‘good’ Indian woman, is her kindness (even her love) toward white men and her ability to see other Indians as ‘savages’”.

     Since when did these particular woman become mythical and not historical?  I can see Pocahontas being regarded as mythical or even an “Indian Princess” but I blame Disney for that distinct label. However, Sacajawea is a historical figure that aided/saved the Lewis and Clark Expedition from certain death. Woot Woot to Sacajawea! And from what I have read about Winnemucca that she was a woman that wanted to save her people but using White tools of rhetoric. I am fairly certain that there are no Indian Princesses around because that is a white invention used to glorify distinguishable women who have more balls than men!

     However, I digress; Powell shows the rhetorical moves that Winnemucca takes in her various texts that help her to be a heroine for her people. And even though she was shunned by her own people it seems that occurs with heroines; for example, Joan of Arc was turned over to the English by her own countrymen and burned at the stake. Winnemucca appeals to her audience in particular women reformist groups and key politicians. In the end, she has the financial support of Mary Peabody Mann and the ear of Senator Dawes which gained Winnemucca’s people a reservation on their traditional lands.

     The other analyses shown within Powell’s text create manifest manners to subvert the historical importance of Winnemucca by stating that her biography isn’t Indian enough or she is an Indian Princess that has sold out her people. The Life of Winnemucca speaks for itself that she is a powerful Indian woman that can affect change and the analyses of her life try to contain her importance to a box.