Catawba Indian Nation: Treasures In History

In Catawba Nation: Treasures in History, Thomas J. Blumer seeks to preserve and present the history of this resilient people. Blumer, who served for nineteen years as the Catawba tribal historian and still works with the tribe, chronicles Catawba history from the first contact with Spanish explorers to their present-day fame as makers of traditional Catawba pottery. In this collection of writings, we learn of Hernando de Soto's meeting with the Lady of Cofitachique, the leadership of Chief James Harris and the fame of potter Georgia Harris, who won the National Heritage Award for her art. Using an engaging mix of folklore, oral history and historical records, Blumer weaves an accessible history of the tribe, preserving their story of suffering and survival for future generations.