Introducing Our First Physical Zine Issue: "Exploring Indigenous North America: Culture, Continuity, & Change"

If you have a passion for the rich histories and diverse cultures of Indigenous North America, we're thrilled to share some exciting news! We are launching our first physical zine issue, titled "Exploring Indigenous North America: Culture, Continuity, & Change." This issue dives into the vibrant lives of America's first peoples, focusing on the unique stories and experiences of the Great Basin and Plains tribes.

Zines have gained popularity as essential platforms for marginalized voices to share their stories. With this physical zine, we aim to amplify the narratives and traditions of Indigenous communities in the United States.

Spotlight on Indigenous Cultures

In our inaugural zine, readers will find a thorough overview of various Native peoples across North America. In this issue, we showcase the unique cultural practices, languages, and social structures that define these groups. Recent studies show that Indigenous language speakers have increased by 10% over the past decade, highlighting efforts to keep these languages alive.

The Great Basin & Plains Peoples

The Great Basin, with its arid landscape and rich natural resources, has been home to diverse Indigenous communities for thousands of years. The zine emphasizes how Great Basin & Plains tribes have navigated historical upheavals, from colonization to forced relocation, while maintaining their rich cultural identities.

Our zine highlights tribes such as the Paiute, Shoshone, and Ute and their profound spiritual connections to the land.

One article in the Zine is regarding The Ghost Dance, which was a ceremonial ritual that Great Basin & Plains peoples participated in.

A Call to Exploration and Appreciation

Our first physical zine issue, "Exploring Indigenous North America: Culture, Continuity, & Change," is more than just an exploration of academic topics; it’s a celebration of Indigenous culture and resilience.

By showcasing stories from the Great Basin and Plains, we seek to foster dialogue and understanding among a wide range of audiences. This zine serves as a tribute to the enduring spirit of Native peoples and a call to appreciate and respect their legacies.

Request your copy today and immerse yourself in the rich cultures that shape America!

Further Reading

We hope this zine inspires readers to engage with these vibrant cultures, moving beyond common stereotypes toward a meaningful understanding of Indigenous resilience and identity. Here are some resources for further reading that helped inform this issue of Night Blooming Jasmine Zine:

Eves, Rosalyn. “Sarah Winnemucca Devoted Her Life to Protecting Native Americans in the Face of an Expanding United States.” Smithsonian Magazine, Smithsonian Institution, 27 July 2016.

Herzog, George. “Plains Ghost Dance and Great Basin Music.” American Anthropologist, vol. 37, no. 3, [American Anthropological Association, Wiley], 1935, pp. 403–19.

Maddra, Sam. Hostiles?: The Lakota Ghost Dance and Buffalo Bill's Wild West. University of Oklahoma Press, 2006. 

Minuth, Anela. “Ghost Dance and Sun Dance.” Indigenous Religious Traditions, Colorado College, 26 Nov. 2012, https://sites.coloradocollege.edu/indigenoustraditions/6-%E2%80%A2-independent-projects/ghost-dance-and-sun-dance/. 

Weber, David J. "The Spanish Frontier in North America." OAH Magazine of History 14.4 (2000): 3-4. 

Zimmer, Carl. “Who Were the Ancestors of Native Americans? A Lost People in Siberia, Scientists Say.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 June 2019.