Nov 18, 2016
James Welch's 76th Birthday
This Doodle’s Key Themes
Today’s Doodle by artist Sophie Diao pays tribute to James Welch, the Blackfeet writer, on what would be his 76th birthday. Through his novels, documentary film, and poems, Welch gave voice to the struggles and humanity of the Native American experience in the United States.
Thirty years ago, Welch published his best known work, Fools Crow, the story of the Blackfeet people during the period of post-civil war encroachment by Europeans. In this award-winning novel, the Blackfeet seek to continue traditional ways, and to avoid both contact and conflict. As a whole, Welch’s works emphasized the humanity of native peoples and their deep attachment to their homelands. He was considered an early part of what was later dubbed the Native American Renaissance, during which native writers celebrated tribal culture and revealed its complex problems in works readily accessible to the larger American public.
Welch, who as a young man described himself as an "Indian who writes," gained an international audience. His works were appreciated universally for both their artistic appeal and ability to bring the experiences of the Native American people to life.
Here’s to James -- thank you for your contributions!
In celebration of National Native American Heritage Month (NAHM), the Google Cultural Institute is highlighting 6 Native American artists, Google Play Books is presenting a special category of Native American heritage reads, and YouTube is highlighting music and traditional dance content from modern Native American communities.
Additionally, we’ve launched new Google Expeditions of Indian Country, allowing students from all over the globe to learn about topics ranging from Southwest tribes to powwows to the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
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