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Steve Russell
Born 1947
Bristow, Oklahoma
Nationality Cherokee Nation
Education Master of Judicial Studies, University of Nevada at Reno, 1993. Thesis: “Ethnic Cleansing and Land Ownership: Why the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Does Not Protect Native American Graves in Texas.”

J.D., University of Texas, 1975.

B.S.Ed., magna cum laude, University of Texas at Austin, 1972.

High school dropout (9th grade).
Occupation Professor Emeritus, Author

Steve Russell is a writer, teacher, and former judge. He is a member of the Cherokee Nation. He used to be a professor of Criminal Justice at Indiana University Bloomington.

Early Life and Education

Steve Russell grew up in Oklahoma, in the Muscogee Creek Nation. This was even though he is Cherokee. He studied at the University of Texas, earning a bachelor's degree and a law degree. Later, he earned a master's degree from the University of Nevada at Reno.

Speaking Up for Native Americans

Steve Russell often spoke out about important issues for Native Americans. He was known for criticizing people who falsely claimed to be Native American. He believed it was important for people to be honest about their heritage.

He also wrote about problems and unfairness within Cherokee tribal politics. His writings were recognized by the Native American Journalists Association. They honored his articles in 2013 and 2014 for being the best opinion pieces by Native writers. These articles discussed important topics like racism against Native people and the need for Black and Native communities to work together.

Books and Writings

Steve Russell has written many books and articles. His most famous book is Sequoyah Rising: Problems in Post-Colonial Tribal Governance. This book talks about what it means to be a tribal citizen. It also looks at challenges faced by Native American tribes in the United States.

Books by Steve Russell

  • World War ISIS: How to Kill a Death Cult and Avoid the End of Days (2016)
  • Ray Sixkiller’s Cherokee Nation: U.S. Election 2012 (2014)
  • American Indians Dream: A Movement of Our Own (2014)
  • Wicked Dew (2012)
  • Ceremonies of Innocence: Essays from the Indian Wars (2012)
  • Sequoyah Rising: Problems in Post-Colonial Tribal Governance (2010)

Articles and Chapters

Steve Russell has also written many chapters in other books and articles for different journals. These writings cover topics like:

  • The rights of Native Americans.
  • The history of Native American law.
  • How different cultures view animals.
  • The justice system around the world.

Poetry and Fiction

Steve Russell is also a poet. His first book of poems, Wicked Dew, won an award from the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas. His poems often explore themes related to Native American life and experiences.

Selected Poems

  • “Honor Rap,” Pulse (2004)
  • “Indistinguishable Color,” Coloring Book: An Eclectic Anthology of Fiction and Poetry by Multicultural Writers (2003)
  • “Disruption, 1997,” Hypatia: A Journal of Feminist Philosophy (2003)
  • “What Indians Want,” Gatherings: The En'owkin Journal of First North American Peoples (2002)
  • “Donna’s Potsherds,” “How to Succeed as an Indian Poet,” and “Chitto Harjo,” Messenger Journal of Cherokee Literature (2001)
  • “Six O’Clock News,” in Hozho: Walking in Beauty (2001)
  • “The Year They Drilled for Oil,” “Eleven Mile Hill,” and “Bison Bones,” South Dakota Review (2000)
  • “Repatriation,” Moccasin Telegraph (1996)

Opinion Columnist

Steve Russell wrote opinion columns for many different newspapers and online publications. He shared his thoughts on current events and important issues.

He wrote for:

  • The Daily Texan (1972-1973)
  • The American Reporter (1995-1999)
  • IMDiversity.com (1999-2008)
  • Indian Country Today (2008-2013)
  • Indian Country Media Network (2013-2017)

His writings also appeared in well-known magazines and newspapers like Newsweek and Harper’s Magazine.

See also

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