Abstract

Vine Deloria, Jr. was named by TIME magazine as one of the greatest religious thinkers of the twentieth century. He was a leading Native American thinker whose research, writings, and teachings on history, law, religion, and politics changed the face of Indian Country, and his influence continues to impact present and future generations of Native and non-Native Americans alike. He has authored many acclaimed and bestselling books, including The World We Used to Live In; Evolution, Creationism, and Other Modern Myths; Red Earth, White Lies; Spirit and Reason; and Custer Died for Your Sins. Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation said of him, "All humans benefited from the knowledge Vine shared with us." Vine Deloria, Jr. died in 2005.