Book Description

The origins of this book began with a discussion Eli Gifford had with Professor Edward Castillo, Department Chair of Native American Studies at Sonoma State University, about the historical inconsistencies in the environmental version of Chief Seattle's speech. Castillo recommended that Eli turn it into a research project. From there it evolved into a master thesis. Afterwards, Eli co-wrote How Can One Sell the Air? to correct the prevailing belief that Seattle actually spoke the words of the environmental speech. Using primary and secondary sources, this book explores the history behind the various agendas each author had in manipulating Seathl's speech. What is unique about this book is that the author was able to speak to the three key people who were involved in the environmental version: Professor William Arrowsmith, Professor Ted Perry, Producer John Stevens and to accurately tell their story. They were able to resolve unanswered questions. Both Arrowsmith and Stevens have since died. Professor Ted Perry, the original author of the environmental version, has played an integral part in unraveling the history of the environmental version. In the foreword he wrote: "The most thorough account of Seattle's speech, its origins and influence. Very impressive and very intelligent . . . That I am extremely indebted to the work of Eli Gifford is a great understatement, but I am certainly not the only reader who will be very grateful." Producer John Stevens who edited Perry's version wrote, "You [Eli] are the first person to accurately reflect my role in the editing of Chief Seattle's speech."