Ponca Oral History Collection

Labriola Center

Following are four interviews conducted by Scott E. White as part of his research for his dissertation, "A History of the Poncas in Nebraska: A Struggle for Survival." The Ph.D. was awarded by Arizona State University in December 2003. Call number is LD179.15 2003d W478. White covers the history of the Nebraskan Poncas from the earliest times to the present. The tribe has suffered through a long history of military incursions, forced removal, and ultimately termination. Finally, in 1990, recognition was restored.

1. Gloria E. Chytka, Northern Ponca (LAB LO-16): Mrs. Chytko was secretary to the Northern Ponca Restoration Committee from 1987 to 1990, and served as interim chairperson following restoration. She discusses their efforts as they tried to achieve restoration.
2. Elven Hamilton, Northern Ponca (LAB LO-17): Mr. Hamilton is a retired farmer and telephone company worker, who lives on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. He is serving on the Cultural Board at the present time. Hamilton discusses the period leading up to termination, growing up during the depression, and subsequent cultural revitalization.
3. Timothy Lake, Santee Sioux (LAB LO-14: Lake is the BIA Superintendent and lives on the Yankton Sioux Reservation. He discusses numerous topics dealing with tribal history. Some are: federal-Indian relations; restoration jurisdiction; economic development; land acquisition; Indian Reorganization Act, cultural revitalization and repatriation.
4. LaPointe, James Allen, Nez Perce Ponca (LAB LO-15): Mr. LaPointe also talked about termination, relocation, cultural revitalization, tribal government, Nebraska Indian organizations, education, activism, Norfolk Nebraska Indian Community, and identity.

Patricia A. Etter, Curator
Labriola National American Indian Data Center
University Libraries
Arizona State University
Spring 2004

Page last modified: August 22, 2007