As the Crow Reads: The Lifeway of Kathryn Jones Harrison

According to the National Congress of American Indians, November is National Indigenous Peoples Month. In honor of this, I decided to review a book about one of Oregon’s most prominent Tribal Members.

While the book is not new — it was published in 2005 — it remains incredibly relevant and empowering. Standing Tall: The Lifeway of Kathryn Jones Harrison tells the story of Tribal Elder Kathryn Harrison from her time as a foster child in a white home, to her young life in the Chemawa Indian School, and through her time serving as an instrumental part of helping the Siletz and Grande Ronde tribes receive restoration.

What I liked

I loved so much of this book, it’s hard to find a singular favorite thing about it. If I had to choose one, it was learning about the incredible strength and resilience shown by Harrison throughout her life. She is an unbelievable example for all of us of what it means to truly overcome struggle and defeat, time and again, in pursuit of a dream for your family and your people.

Author Kristine Olson does an exceptional job telling Harrison’s story while weaving in history, governmental records, letters, and other important documents so seamlessly the reader doesn’t even realize they are legal documents. The storytelling is riveting and coupled with the factual support, there is no better way to read your way through Indigenous Peoples Month.

Finally, on a personal note, I grew up in Siletz on the edges of the reservation, and spent my time surrounded by friends of different races, backgrounds, and tribes, Yet, I had no idea the amount of damage that had been done to their families and ancestors. Reading this book brought to harsh light how sheltered I have lived, even growing up so close to the center of the problems. I love a book that challenges the way I see and think about the world, and this book has forever changed me.

What Was Missing

Very little was missing in this book.

As I said above, this book challenged views that I have held for a long time, in the very best way, however if you’re not ready to meet this book where it is and to truly hear and learn from the stories within, then you’re not ready to read this book. It requires an open and understanding mind, without which, it will not have the same effect.

Recommendation

I would recommend this book to anyone ready and willing to expand their views and understanding of how the Indigenous People of Oregon and the broader United States were isolated, destroyed, and almost erased from our country. It’s a book that sings the story of triumph against all odds and foes.

About the Author

Kristine Olson served as Assistant United States Attorney and has served several tribal governments as a legal consultant, helping with cultural resource protection and the development of tribal courts. As of 2005 she was living in Portland, Oregon.

Standing Tall: The Lifeway of Kathryn Jones Harrison was published in 2005 by University of Washington Press. It is out of stock at many retailers, but is available for loan at many local libraries.

By Kyra Young