Wampanoag launches Wampum Books

Culture:  Author creates publishing house for American Indian booksThe dream belongs to author Stephanie Duckworth-Elliott, who is Wampanoag tribe of Gay Head, Mass. In the process of getting her own book published, she developed a plan for a publishing house that would publish great, but little-known Native American authors and others.

Wampum Books debuted this November as its edition of “Poneasequa” went to market nationally. In this venture Duckworth-Elliott is in the unique position of being a Wampanoag woman who owns a national book publishing house.

“The whole point of the book is motivating yourself, loving where you come from, and loving where you are,” Duckworth-Elliott said. “The point of Wampum Books is to bring to the reading public authentic Native voices.”Comment:  For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Books.

Below:  “Poneasequa: Goddess of the Waters," by Stephanie A. Duckworth-Elliott, is the inaugural title from the new Native American publisher Wampum Books.