TUESDAY

Wilma Mankiller’s Every Day Is a Good Day: Reflections by Contemporary Indigenous Women comprises informal interviews with 19 Native American women from across the United States, including Salish Flathead artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Comanche warrior LaDonna Harris. In their discussions with Mankiller (pictured)—an author, activist, and former principal chief of the Cherokee Nation—the women address such issues as balance, community, love, and spirituality, offering “a rare opportunity for outsiders to sit in on the candid conversations of indigenous women.” It makes sense to think that the average stressed-out American could probably learn a thing or two about perspective from “a small, diverse group of women who made a conscious choice to lead a meaningful life by building on the positive attributes of their communities instead of focusing only on the daunting set of economic and social problems that they deal with daily.” But don’t expect touchy-feely life lessons from humorless New Age types—the subjects share healthy doses of realism, and anger, as well: “White people can’t understand us or the strength and diversity of aboriginal people, and they don’t even try,” says Dr. Beatrice Medicine, anthropologist and member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota. “That’s why there is such racism and misunderstanding.” Hmmm. Given that white folk are one of the book’s target demographics, Medicine’s comment sure doesn’t forecast stellar sales. Try to be understanding when Mankiller reads at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, at Olsson’s Books & Records, 418 7th St. NW. Free. (202) 638-7610. (Anne Marson)