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Some Indians will come up and say that a story reminded them of something very specific to their experience. Which may or may not be the case for non-Indians.

The Indians have such strong traditions and aesthetics, and the people are beautiful, as are their goods.

I often find myself unsatisfied with books 'about' Indians because they are written from the viewpoint of non-Indians.

Each day we understand better what the Indians say, and they us, so that very often we are intelligible to each other.

My mother was a children's librarian. I remember when traditional stories were revised for modern audiences until they bore only a nodding acquaintance with the originals, but were released as 'authentic Indian stories' when they were, in fact, nothing of the kind.

As I've written more, and as other Indian American voices have grown around me, I strive harder to find experiences that are unique yet a meaningful and resonant part of the American story.

It is important to tell good stories. You can tell stories even if they are not huge, epic, and wonderful. You can still take the responsibility for being a scribe of your tribe.

I go to South Dakota for ceremonies when I have the time. And when you learn what the Indian peoples have gone through to hold onto their culture and traditions... wow, it's an amazing story.

The Indian story has never been written. Maybe I am the man to do it.

Mythology works... because Indians have been bred on myths.