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EARLY ADVOCATE OF NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN

[WINNEMUCCA< Sarah] PEABODY, Elizabeth P.  SARAH WINNEMUCCA'S PRACTICAL SOLUTION OF THE INDIAN PROBLEM: A LETTER TO DR. LYMAN ABBOT OF THE "CHRISTIAN UNION." Cambridge: John Wilson and Son, University Press, 1886. First edition. 36 pp. Pamphlet, stapled wrappers, 7 7/16 x 5 inches.

Peabody's letter discusses the difficulties facing Sarah Winnemucca, educator and author (1841-1891, sometimes known as the "Piute Princess," daughter of Chief Winnemucca). Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, the name under which she was published, was the first Native American woman to secure a copyright and publish in English. After her book, LIFE AMONG THE PIUTES, was released in 1883, Winnemucca conducted a lecture series in which she discussed the conditions threatening her people and her efforts to seek citizenship for the Piutes. Continuing with activist efforts, in 1884 Winnemucca collaborated with sponsor Elizabeth Peabody in the creation of a Native American school.

Winnemucca sought to promote Native American values and language. Many criticized her efforts, claimimg Native American children must attend English-speaking schools as a means to assimilate them into the mainstream culture. In response to these claims, Winnemucca published this pamphlet explaining the success of the school. Unfortunately, the school lost valuable funding when the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 took effect, forcing Native American children to attend English-speaking schools.

Elizabeth Peabody was a teacher and educational reformer, founder of kindergarten in America, abolitionist, opponent of European autocratic despotism, friend of political refugees, advocate of Native American rights and education, of woman's suffrage, and of world peace. Miss Peabody worked unceasingly toward the improvement of society. She was also a gifted linguist, familiar with some dozen languages, and a prolific writer on education, reform, language, history, art and other topics. scarce. $1,500.00
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