Shrouds of White Earth

—Pointed, absorbing novel about an indigenous artist's long journey of creativity and coming-of-awareness from White Earth Reservation to Paris Winner of the 2011 American Book Award presented by the Before Columbus Foundation Shrouds of White Earth, an innovative novel about a contemporary Native American Indian artist illuminates, infuriates, and enchants. Dogroy Beaulieu, who reveals his marvelous story to a native writer, is a painter by nature, an intuitive visionary artist. He creates shrouds of sacrificed and crucified animals and birds, the faint traces of natural motion on linen, at his studio on the White Earth Nation in Minnesota. The very sight of the shrouds torments the traditional fascists on the reservation, and the faint traces of native totems haunt the patrons of galleries and curators of museums. "I create traces of totemic creatures, paint visionary characters in magical flight, native scenes in the bright colors of survivance," declares Dogroy. His artistic sentiments and shamanic tribute to the shrouds, however, do not protect him from his envious enemies on the reservation. Dogroy is banished by casino politicians, in flagrant violation of the new Constitution of the White Earth Nation for his artistic tease, his baroque mockery, and his ironic portrayals. This unforgettable journey of discovery and creativity ranks as one of the finest stories from the pen of the irresistibly witty and insightful Gerald Vizenor.