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...

• 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.