Belles of The Creek Nation is an innovative and modern perspective investigating the problematic linkages between preservation of cultural heritage, maintaining cultural diversity, defining and establishing cultural citizenship, and ancient tribal rite of passage. It is the first publication to address the notions of cultural diversity among Mixed Blood heritage, tribal culture and sacred rights of the people, all in one book. The relationships and heritage presented provides the basis of humanity’s rich cultural diversity among descendants of remnant Indian clans. While there is considerable literature dealing separately with cultural diversity, cultural heritage and tribal rights, this book distinctively presents contemporary relevance in focusing on the intersection between these concepts. Sewell presents the cultural diversity, heritage, citizenship and tribal rights; and establishes a fresh approach that will interest students, descendants and practitioners alike exposing a new and fresh perspective for future work and genealogical study in the Mixed blood Indian heritage of America. Your blood will mix with ours; and will spread with ours, over this great island…The ultimate point of rest and happiness for (Indians and Americans ) is to let our settlements and theirs meet and blend together, to intermix, and become one people. -Excerpted from a letter written by President Thomas Jefferson to United States Indian Agent to the Creek Nation, Benjamin Hawkins, to relay to Creek leaders, February 18 1803 Scott Sewell has written the saga of our diverse heritage bringing to light the relationships and powerful influence of the Countrymen within the Native American life , sharing details of the sacred rituals passed down for generations. We are not a lost people but have been hidden in plain sight in our closed communities and clan marriages. There has been a great awakening and now Scott has brought our history out of the darkness and is shining the light on the heritage, lives and struggles of our people in Belles of The Creek Nation. Marilyn Baggett Kobliaka, Redbone Descendant, of the Doyle & Hill Families, Author & Family Historian Belles of the Creek Nation is a richly detailed narrative of the complex web of interrelated Native American Creek families. Both exciting to read and edifying in content, Sewell has brought to light a little explored area of history with a meticulous eye for detail and flowing writing style. A great addition to the library! Lars Adams, Author and Independent Researcher Christopher does a great job of blending introspective genealogy with objective history. I especially liked the last chapter. The tension between tribal leaders wanting to restrict membership (or even expel members) when slicing the pie of financial benefits from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, on the one hand, versus the avalanche of non-clan members seeking (or even demanding) Indian self-identity, on the other, is fascinating. I get the impression that if you ask three random tribal leaders what defines a true Indian you will get four conflicting opinions. Frank W. Sweet, History of the U.S. Colorline
