English Language and Literature ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-30-2020

Abstract

I establish that there are American Indian rhetoric(s) still in place today, evidenced by the four tribal North American leaders that I interviewed. This dissertation project’s main focus was to examine their rhetorical practices and strategies, situated within tribally local, national and global political contexts. Tribal leaders are responsible for the management and leadership of American Indian/Indigenous nations throughout North America. Therefore, they must continue to create, utilize, and develop rhetorical strategies that enhance the art of persuasion for two different audiences (native and nonnative) for diverse reasons. The rhetorical settings may have changed slightly from when Sarah Winnemucca, Paiute, Zitkala-Ša, Dakota Sioux, spoke and wrote in the late 1800s for native people, but the intent to provide suitable and practical forms of communication which acknowledge Indian presence are still in place throughout what we now call “Indian Country.”

Key words: American Indian rhetoric, tribal leadership, rhetorical sovereignty, narrative

Degree Name

English

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Gail Houston

Second Committee Member

Dr. Bethany Davila

Third Committee Member

Dr. Vincent Werito

Document Type

Dissertation

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