Two cultures, one cause: Biculturalism and Native American reform in the career of Arthur Caswell Parker (Gawasowaneh), 1906-1925
Abstract
This study will examine and analyze in depth the career of Arthur Caswell Parker whose work as an archaeologist, ethnologist, and Native American reformer spanned the first half of the twentieth century. Born in 1881 to an Iroquois father and Scotch-English mother, Parker's ancestral lineage included several distinguished Iroquois. He achieved prominence as archaeologist of the New York State Museum, a leading member of the Society of American Indians, secretary of the New York State Indian Commission, chairman of the Committee of One Hundred and Director of the Rochester Museum and Science Center. A prolific scholar-writer, he published fourteen books, and over three-hundred articles on such topics as the history, archaeology, and ethnology of the Seneca and Native American assimilation. The work begins with an examination of Parker's ancestral background, childhood and educational and professional training. Subsequent chapters focus on Parker's activities as an archaeologist and ethnologist, his participation in the Society of American Indians, and his contribution to Indian affairs at the state and national level. A concurrent inquiry in completing this study addresses Parker's cultural association. Was he a highly assimilated Indian who retained a Native American world view while participating in white society or a fully acculturated Indian espousing a white-oriented perspective? A general conclusion summarizes Parker's place in early-twentieth-century Native American History.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Parman, Purdue University.
Subject Area
American history|Biographies|Social structure
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