J. Stanion's My Place Among Them Explores Indigenous Identity and Resilience in the Fight Against Forced Assimilation in 19th Century America

My Place Among Them by J. Stanion explores the harsh legacy of the Indian Education System and the fight to preserve cultural identity. Inspired by her great-grandfather's advocacy for Indigenous rights and the enduring power of storytelling, the book weaves a tale of courage, resistance, and the transformative power of education.
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J. Stanion is an award-winning author, former educator, and passionate advocate for Indigenous culture. Following a distinguished 31-year career in education, she released her debut novel, My Place Among Them , which reflects her family's rich history and their fight for Indigenous rights. The novel has garnered widespread acclaim, earning prestigious international awards including the Global Book Award, Pencraft Book Award, Laramie Book Award, Goethe Book Award, BREW Book Award, NYC Big Book Award, Outstanding Creator Award, and Incipere Book Award.

Now living on her family farm, where she and her husband raise Angus cattle, Stanion continues to be inspired by her deep-rooted connections to horses, history, and Indigenous culture. An avid collector of Pine Ridge Pottery, ledger art, and turquoise jewelry, she is currently working on her next novel, weaving together rich historical narratives with contemporary themes.

This one-on-one interview shares J. Stanion's background and experience writing My Place Among Them: A Novel.

Tell us about My Place Among Them: A Novel.

After surviving the horrors of the Wounded Knee massacre, twelve-year-old John Iron Horse is thrust into the federal government's Indian Education program where the motto is chillingly clear: " Kill the Indian, save the man ." Stripped from his people and forced to adopt a new way of life, John must navigate a system intent on erasing his heritage while holding onto the traditions that define him.

Carter Heath, a teacher in the same system, witnesses the devastating effects of forced assimilation on the children under his care. Determined to make a difference, Carter struggles against a bureaucracy that prioritizes politics and conformity over compassion and justice.

As John grows into a young man, his extraordinary perseverance in the face of adversity inspires Carter to question his own role in a system designed to reshape identities. Together, they discover the transformative power of education-not as a tool for oppression, but as a means to honor history and shape values.

Ultimately, My Place Among Them is a poignant tale of coming of age, cultural identity, and resilience that illuminates the enduring fight to preserve humanity, heritage, and hope.

What inspired you to write My Place Among Them: A Novel?

Throughout my childhood, I grew up hearing stories of an Indian boy named John Iron Horse and my great-grandfather's tireless advocacy for Indigenous rights. My great-grandfather, a teacher and administrator in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Education System, was a whistleblower who exposed injustices against Native people, often at great personal cost. His manuscripts, hidden by my grandmother for decades, inspired me to bring this story to life.

I have spent a lifetime learning, seeing doors both open and close because of education. I want readers to understand the immense power of education-not only as a force for good but also for harm, depending on who controls the curriculum.

This novel is deeply personal-a family story shaped by resilience, education, and a fight for justice that spanned three generations. Before his death, my father passed on the challenge to finish what my great-grandfather started. My Place Among Them is my promise fulfilled and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

How did your background and experience influence your writing?

Growing up with two parents who were teachers, I was immersed in a world of words from a very young age. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, satire, and history filled our shelves and shaped my perspective on the world. My father, a storyteller and lifelong advocate for education, and my high school literature teacher, who ignited my love for classic stories, were my greatest influences.

Writing has always been my way of experiencing life, processing emotions, and sharing ideas. Whether it was poetry about high school heartbreak or stories about the quirks of college life, writing gave me a voice. My career as a teacher further deepened my understanding of how education shapes identity and culture-an experience that heavily influenced My Place Among Them .

What is one message you would like readers to remember?

The key takeaway I hope readers remember is the transformative power of education. Education has the ability to shape identities, open doors, and create opportunities-but it can also be used as a tool for erasure and control. By recognizing this, we can ensure that education serves to uplift, rather than diminish, preserving culture and humanity for future generations.

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Purchasing the Book

My Place Among Them: A Novel has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, authors, and reviewers around the world. Reader's Favorite writes, " A poignant exploration of cultural assimilation, identity, and the impact of historical events on individuals' lives ." In addition, Literary Titan writes, " An excellent choice for those drawn to historic, culturally vibrant narratives emanating from authentic human struggles. Both heartwarming and enlightening, My Place Among Them is a genuinely captivating read ."

The book is available for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.amazon.com/My-Place-Among-Them-Stanion/dp/B0C6YWK5YC/ [https://www.amazon.com/My-Place-Among-Them-Stanion/dp/B0C6YWK5YC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2671VP5QOT7MF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MP0pfanplBoShoXuiyXGtw._pdB7Z5xIA8jjDJjt_NssOgoXyi8hUf9CzSJKAJVOfk&dib_tag=se&keywords=my+place+among+them+by+j+stanion&qid=1740426569&sprefix=My+Place+Among+Them%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1]

To connect with J Stanion and learn more about her work, visit: https://www.jstanion.com. You can also find her on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JStanion1890], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jstanion1890] and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-c-mcphail-915a57259/].

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