The Sound of rattles and clappers

The notion of a regional literature is important to Native Americans because it is a way to chronicle what is distinct among peoples. Like other American Indians from specific regions, California Indians live both on reservations and in large urban settings, with some remaining more closely tied to tribal traditions than others. Nevertheless, the specific land base and cultures of California Indians are what they share with one another. Shared land and cultures thus mark the distinguishing parameters of this anthology, which collects poetry and fiction by ten Native Americans of California Indian ancestry. These writers document history, illuminating aspects of their respective native cultures and charting their travels in time and space in works characterized by a profound love of place and people, as well as by anger over political oppression and social problems. As in former times, "California Indian peoples are still dancing, singing, telling stories," writes editor Greg Sarris. "You can hear the sharp clacking of split elderberry clappers in the central regions of the state, and in the south the steady rhythm of gourd rattles." This volume captures the spirit of those sounds, inviting us all to listen and learn.