Lost from the Ottawa: The Story of the Journey Back (Paperback)

~ Pun Plamondon (Author) "Among the Ottawa of the Great Lakes Basin and beyond there is an ancient tradition still carried out in a handful of old-time Ottawa families..." (more)
Key Phrases: Ann Arbor, Traverse City, The Burger (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A unique and compelling account of his odyssey -- John Sinclair

A unique and compelling account of his odyssey --John Sinclair --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

Plamondon's story is a classic tale of a Native infant "adopted out" into an alien world and denied his rightful inheritance. The sometimes tragic, often humorous life journey finally closes the circle and returns the author to his Tribe and family where he becomes a valued and trusted member of his community.

In 1945 the author was born to Native American parents who were patients in a State mental hospital in Michigan. At 18 months he was adopted into the world of white, working-class Catholics.

A troubled childhood led to reform school at 15, arrests for drunken assault at 16, and leaving home to become a hitchhiking vagabond at 17.

By 19 he was a union organizer of migrant farm workers for the AFL/CIO.

In 1968 he co-founded the White Panther Party, a militant organization dedicated to revolutionary change and a culture based on justice and cooperation.

In the fall of 1969 the author was indicted for bombing a CIA office in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He fled "underground" and was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list. He remained a most wanted fugitive for a year while he traveled to Canada, Europe and Algeria.

His capture by the FBI lead to revelations of illegal government wiretaps, which resulted in a landmark Supreme Court decision in defense of the Fourth Amendment and a Plamondon victory. The Supreme Court decision set in motion the planets that would ultimately collide and create the political whirlwind known as "Watergate" and the downfall of Richard Nixon.

Later the author found work as a bodyguard for rock stars, which lead to five years in the rock fast lane. Drugs and alcohol nearly killed him.

In the course of his recovery from alcoholism Pun met an Ottawa elder who put him on the path to his Ottawa people, and later his biological family.

He now is a valued member of his Native community and active with his clan and Tribe.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 414 pages
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing (July 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1412022657
• ISBN-13: 978-1412022651
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,793,817 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and Authentic View of 60s Culture, August 18, 2006

By	AA Dude "AAD" (Ann Arbor, Michigan) - See all my reviews

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I actually saw the author at a meeting of the Ann Arbor School Board in the late 60's. He was a frightening figure with his wild hair, dark skin and pose of hard-core rebel activist. Ironically, he admits in the book that he was trying to play such a role and regrets his naivete. Throughout the book he is candid of his own lapses of judgment and lack of maturity. Ironically his biggest problem was not with the 60s drugs of marijuana and hallucinogens, but with alcohol. His glimpse into the hippie culture of drugs and rebellion is unparalled because he was and is probably the one person whose life epitomizes it. Yet he clearly understands, better than any writer or columnist what the 60's were all about and equally clear what we are all up against if we want to change society. It is not only the President and all the reactionary Republicans. It is our own families, neighborhoods, businesses...the entire society that supports the current way of life. While the book is entertaining, enlightening, and shocking throughout, the most dramatic section is the story of his trial before the Supreme Court. It is damning in its portrayal of William Rehnquist as a member of the Justice Department. It tells how some of the members of the Court turned their backs on the government lawyers as they presented their case. The judgment was 9-0 for Plamondon, but more intriguing is that the decision was announced the day before the Watergate break-in. This is one of the best, most honest and forthright autobiographies I have read. The only thing I can say against the book is that I never liked the MC-5.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Read, November 12, 2005

By	Tamala Gage "East Song" (Roscommon, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Lost From The Ottawa: The Story Of The Journey Back (Paperback)

Not your typical Native read. Sheds a lot of light into a person's own search for their personal roots and "feelings" of connectedness. And the power that one or two solid teachers can have in helping us heal. MegWetch.