Native American Heritage
Native American heritage has a rich stronghold in US history, and 12th October this year, marks the day in which Native American history and culture is celebrated.
Old time radio shows celebrated America's old west, with tales of heroes and gunfighters, bandits and marshals (or rangers), lawmen, scouts, the captivating, exotic beauty of the native women and much more. So many of the shows offered only stereotypical portrayals of Native Americans, but actual acting roles were limited.
However, there are many stories and legends which have been immortalized in old time radio, such as the pursuit and capture of Geronimo, the Apache wars, the tragic massacre at Wounded Knee, Pocahontas (whose story has been romanticized over the years), the Battle of Little Big Horn, and one of the most famous novels of all time, The Last of the Mohicans.
Many celebrate Native American Day now, in lieu of Columbus Day, and the holiday is held on the second Monday of October in South Dakota and a handful of other US States (although dates may vary). The celebrations include singers and traditional dancers amongst many other activities; as well as arts and food, which are all to create awareness of the culture, heritage and traditions of our country's indigenous people.
Although it's only fiction, the South African thriller 'High Adventure' story entitled Arctic Treasure (live on Monday) has one theory of who it was that discovered America - and it wasn't Columbus! No, in this story, America - already inhabited by indigenous Indians - was discovered a thousand years ago by Vikings! Have a listen - it's a great quality recording and a riveting tale.
There are whole series which are based around the American old west, such as Gunsmoke, Red Ryder, Frontier Town, and of course The Lone Ranger, who, together with his loyal Potawatomi companion Tonto, fight for justice, law and order.
I've started to put a collection of shows together here - Old Time Radio - Native Americans - but if there are any more shows you think I've missed, please do let me know by posting a comment below, so that I can add them.
Happy listening my friends,
P.S. History is for everyone! If you listen to the Phil Harris show I scheduled for Sunday, it's very funny, and shows you that even back in 1951, kids were learning about Native Americans in school.