Bernie Whitebear: An Urban Indian's Quest for Justice

By Lawney L. Reyes

Book Overview

When American Indians left reservations in the 1950s, enticed by the federal government's relocation program, many were drawn to cities like Tacoma and Seattle. But in these new homes they found unemployment and discrimination, and they were no better off. Sin Aikst Indian Bernie Whitebear was an urban activist in the Pacific Northwest during the last decades of the twentieth century, a man dedicated to improving the lives of Indians and other ethnic groups by working for change and justice. He unified Northwest tribes to fight for the return of their land and was the first to accomplish this in the United States. But far from a fearsome agitator, Bernie was a persuasive figure who won the praise and admiration of an entire community. Bernie began organizing powwows in the 1960s with an eye toward greater authenticity; and by making a name in the Seattle area as an entertainment promoter, he soon became a successful networker and master of diplomacy, enabling him to win over those who had long ignored the problems of urban Indians. Soft-spoken but outspoken, Bernie successfully negotiated with officials at all levels of government on behalf of Indians and other minorities, crossing into political territory normally off-limits to his people.

Bernie Whitebear's story takes readers from an impoverished youth--including a rare account of life on the Colville Reservation during the 1930s--to the "Red Power" movement as it traces Bernie's emergence as an activist influenced by contemporaries such as Bob Satiacum, Vine DeLoria, and Joe Delacruz. By choosing this course, Bernie was clearly making a break with his past, but with an eye toward a better future, whether staging the successful protest at Fort Lawton or acting on behalf of Native fishing rights in Puget Sound. When he died in July 2000, Bernie Whitebear had left an inestimable legacy, accomplishing things that no other Indian seemed able to do. His biography is an inspiring story for readers at many levels, an account of how one American Indian overcame hardships and obstacles to make a difference in the lives of his people--and an entire community.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0816525218
• ISBN13: 9780816525218
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Finally an Indian was able to help his people. Very touching and makes me very proud of the Reyes/W

Very touching and brings back a lot of memories. I wish I could have met Bernie. DayBreak Star facility is wonderful for the people. I hope they can continue to keep this spirit of achievement going. When you consider the 3 Reyes children coming from a poor reservation, and perservering to get their educations, and giving back like they did, it is a joy to think of. I hope our people will be touched by the achievements and consider striving for their own goals.

Bernie Whitebear a winner

The author is justly proud of his brother "Bernie Whitebear". The book provides many facts and stories of Whitebear's accomplishments in fighting for Indian rights. Many of these facts can be be authenticated by going on-line and reading newspaper articles from that time.

Bernie -- A Visionary

I knew Bernie Whitebear while I was a teenager in Seattle and he was the first Urban Indian leader I had met. Over the course of time, I found him to be a person who mentored youth and he was a visionary in a very enlightening period for Urban Indians in Seattle. His perseverance and dedication is a testament to his character and reading the book written by Lawney, his brother, about their upbringing makes all the pieces in the puzzle fit and make sense. He came from a humble background (perhaps "poor" as far as wealth) but also one that was rich in morals, values, traditions and culture. This book was a very good read.