James Trosper on the challenges to their survival that American Indians have faced

James Trosper cites some of the many historical challenges to their survival that have been faced by his tribe (Shoshone) and other American Indian tribes. He also explains what it is that has permitted them to survive as tribes up until the present day.

This clip is from Disc 1, in the section “Conversations With Native Elders,” on the DVD “Native Spirit and The Sun Dance Way” (World Wisdom, 2007).

Mr. Trosper is a respected voice on traditional Plains Indian spirituality. He is Medicine Man and Sun Dance chief of the Shoshone Tribe in Fort Washakie, Wyoming. He is a direct descendant of the great Eastern Shoshone chief, Washakie. Mr. Trosper has traveled throughout America, assisting in the continuation of American Indian religious traditions, and explaining the Sun Dance religion of the Plains and Indian spirituality to Indian and white audiences for many years.