The Birch Clump Novels by Joshua Seidl, SSP
Two companion novels on relationships with Native American culture and the Churches

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Hawk Dancer and CLOUDBURST

Totaly updated site: April 14, 2009    ;   Hawk dancer and Cloudburst novels         All major book sellers      Barnes & Nobles    Amazon . . . . etc . . .         "In those countries where circumstances warrant it our activity will promote indigenous culture as well." [Constitutions of the Society of St. Paul, # 72.1]

About the novels

     The companion novels, Hawk Dancer and Cloudburst are drama-tically driven works of modern historical fiction portraying the relationship of cultures indigenous to the Northern Great Lakes Region with the colonizing predominantly Euro-American cultures. The novels cover the era of December 1934 through March of 2008. The fictional central location of the Village of Birch Clump in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan draws of real historical events, World War II, Korean War, post war presidential and congressional acts of American Indian Termination and Relocation, the repeal of those acts by President Nixon in 1971, and the promotion of Indigenous culture and rights that led to the passage of the American Indian Freedom of Religion law on August 11, 1978.
     Progressive reform on the part of State, Federal and Tribal government and the directives or policies of the Churches towards greater Tribal sovereignty, self determination and inculturation (the promotion of Indigenous culture) impact the lives of Euro-Americans, Native Americans and Métis living in the novels’ stated region. Their experiences are reflective of the successes, set backs and continual progress of inter-cultural relationships found across the United States and Canada. These novels, while treating unpleasantness of the past, are more in tune with actual progress made and with positive potential for our future and that of the next seven generations.
     The novels are written in a manner respecting general family morals; in other words, it is a clean book whose contents will not scandalize should an adult lay it down and a curious child pick it up. At the same time, it is by no means a sanitized, sweetened up cuddly book. It is driven, dramatic and exciting. There are moments of harsh violence, injustice, conflict and challenges. These are countered with movements toward conciliation, and in some cases reconciliation, peace and cooperation. It is well balanced with life’s ups and downs; and at times portrayed with some humor.
     The main protagonists are made up primarily of the teaching Elders that were born as early as the mid 1880’s through the early 1920’s and of the Baby Boomers generation, specifically an integrated group that was born between 1950 and 1955 who are groomed to carry on the ideals set forth in these novels. The first book, Hawk Dancer, has a fair balance in representing both generations. Cloudburst tips the balance a bit more towards the Baby Boomers, which would only be natural considering, that the second novel brings us into the year 2008.

20th Century Movements and Today

     I, the author of these novels, treat the efforts and accomplishments of notables such as Vernon Belcourt, Leonard Peltier, Martin Luther King, JFK, The American Indian Movement, the Great Civil rights Movement, Dorothy Day, John Paul II, Gandhi and others as they impinge the lives of ordinary citizens of the Village of Birch Clump and other communities throughout the region; and in essence ordinary people throughout Canada and the USA.
     I feel these two great nations, with their progress and their flaws play major roles in how the global community relates to indigenous people in their countries, for better or for worse.
     I urge you, though, to enjoy the books for what they are: entertaining novels. Feel the soft dark soil, breathe in the clear forest oxygen, and relax by the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Bundle up at night; it can get a bit chilly.

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The Priest stoles pictured to the right were embroidered by Charles M. Browne, editor of the novels. The symbolism is paterned from traditional Ojibwe designs Click the Ministry Links for more information.
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To Buy These Novels:

     Almost any brick and mortar, (the new term, I am told, for a good old fashioned neighborhood establishment) book store can order copies for you. You can also go on line and order from your favorite online web-store, such as Barns and Noble or Amazon dot com. Click this link Click this link and you will see my special book ordering page with direct links to these books supplied by several on line book sellers. You may also email, write or call me to inquire about obtaining signed copies.
     The big picture below is of the Barns and Noble located down town of my home town, Royal Oak, Michigan. One click of that picture will take you direct to both novels offered on their site.

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Leading review

   Dr. Rose Quinones, Phd adds in her review of Hawk Dancer: ... The author weaves the personal stories of the characters, Richard and Job, within a historical context spanning four decades. ... [The] author allows the reader to view the world through their struggle between the Ojibwe and the dominant society's ways.

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Find Hawk Dancer in the Library
Cloudburst is also beginning to arrive in some libraries

     The following libraries are listed on Google book search offering Hawk Dancer:

Royal Oak Library, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
Royal Oak has Hawk Dancer & Cloudburst
Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401
Manitowac Public Library, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 54220
Havana Public Library District, Havana, Illinois 62644
Ronan City Library, Ronan, Montana 59864
Salish Kooteni College Library, Pablo, MT 59855
Alibris, Emeryville, California 94608

     Photo to the right is the sculpture and fountain outside the Royal Oak Public Library in Michigan (Suburban Detroit), and home town of author Joshua Seidl, SSP. He attended George Dondero High School (now known as Royal Oak Middle School), Franklin and St. Mary’s Elementary of Royal Oak. The latter two schools have since been torn down.
     Some libraries permit patrons to request books to be added to their shelves. Practically all libraries will gladly accept the donation of a new book by their patrons. I was honored to perform a civic work and donate a copy of Hawk Dancer and of Cloudburst to my home library.

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