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Alice Cunningham Fletcher [1838-1923]

By K. Kris Hirst, About.com

Definition: Cuban-born daughter of American citizens, Alice Fletcher was a pioneer in the field of ethnology, and is primarily known for her work among the Omaha and Nez Perce of the American Great Plains. Her work was sympathetic and intelligent, sharing information, interpretation and authorship with members of the Omaha tribe such as Francis LaFlesche; a situation very unusual for its time, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In hindsight, it seems shocking that she was a strong proponent of the allotment system for the Indian reservations, which resulted in disenfranchisement for the Native American tribes.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.

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