Miwoks and Menominee Drums

Mi chuk sis!

May you have a prosperous, peaceful, and incredible New Year!

At the suggestion of a friend I’d like to share some commentary on a book I just completed, Peroff’s, Menominee Drums (1982). This book is about the tribal termination and restoration of the Menominee tribe in the Wisconsin area. I first learned about the book on the Miwok • Me-wuk • Miwuk • Mi'wa Language Forum from a post by Misko Giizhig, https://www.facebook.com/kyle.peters.587/about_overview . It was suggested that it might apply to our present Miwok situation and in some sense it does because in my view it provides a very good framework for my Miwok tribe and others to tell their story of “termination and restoration” which is a phrase in the subtitle. These are important stories and history.

Unfortunately, in my opinion there are some downsides to the book. Prof. Peroff’s doctorate comes through loud and clear in that dry academic style through 80% to 90% of the book which speaks to the U.S. Federal legislation and provides few voices of the natives. To be clear Peroff’s work is valuable and I would say important in that it has, I would think, helped many people understand a certain history. On the other hand it has in my mind absolutely nothing to do with the Miwok, Miwuk, Mi-Wuk, or Me-Wuk.

Just so you know, the basis for me purchasing and reviewing this book came about because of Jr Brown’s post/statement that, “All the Miwok's should be in one Tribe Wich is the Miwok Tribe” https://www.facebook.com/myron.valdez He and another person in that thread could provide no support for such a statement, it was only Misko you who provided a reference. I’m grateful for that.

Based on this book review I still think Jr Brown's post/statement is incorrect based on native Miwok history

and current Miwok sentiment. Therefore, “All the Miwok's should not be in one tribe, until each individual

tribe or band decides it to be so!”

Reference Links

Jr Brown, “All the Miwok's should be in one Tribe Wich is the Miwok Tribe”,

https://www.facebook.com/myron.valdez

Misko Giizhig, Bobby Hoppie Taylor - Lupoli “are those different “bands” of miwok but one tribe ? You can

prolly look to the ojibwe. They are one tribe and language but different bands and Reservations

https://www.facebook.com/groups/miwok/posts/5518879224896723/?comment_id=5537572093027436&reply_comment_id=5543223189128993

Misko Giizhig, https://www.facebook.com/kyle.peters.587/about_overview

Miwok • Me-wuk • Miwuk • Mi'wa Language Forum, https://www.facebook.com/groups/miwok

Peroff, N., Menominee Drums: Tribal Termination and Restoration, 1954–1974, 

https://www.amazon.com/Menominee-Drums-Termination-Restoration-1954-1974/dp/0806137770