Encyclopedia of Native American Religions

Long regarded as quaint curiosities or exotic pagan rites, the religious practices of Native Americans make up a rich legacy. This encycopaedia is a guide to the spiritual traditions and practices of Native American in the United States and Canada. Over 1200 cross-referenced entries cover: beliefs about the afterlife, symbolism, creation myths, and vision quests; important ceremonies and dances; prominent American Indian religious figures; ritual objects; sacred sites; sacred use of tobacco; Supreme Court cases concerning prisoners' religious rights; tribal court cases involving the participation of non-Indians in Native American religious ceremonies, such as the Sun Dance; national and state legislation, such as the Native American Church Bill and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act; and Religious rights in the military.