Author Joseph Marshall says American Indian people should tell their own stories.

He said most stories, particularly in film, are told by non-Native people.

"Some of them are correct, some sympathetic, but in most cases to varying extents they are wrong," Marshall said in a phone interview Wednesday morning. "It would be like me trying to articulate the viewpoint of women."

Marshall will discuss the topic with students at Capital and Helena High schools on Friday before speaking at a gala reading during the Helena Festival of the Book.

He says he enjoys speaking to school groups across the country.

"It's always an interesting experience because a lot of them are very curious about Native people," Marshall said.

Born on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Marshall's first language is Lakota. Growing up he learned the ancient tradition of oral storytelling. As he grew, he channeled that energy into many books he has authored -- 14 of which have been published.

He will read sections from two of his latest books at the festival: "Hundreds in the Hand" and "The Long Knives are Crying."

"It's always interesting to talk about being a writer to any audience," he said.

Marshall's books are used in Helena public high schools English classes.

Joseph Anderson, English teacher at HHS, is particularly excited about Marshall's visit.

Anderson says Marshall's works, like those of many American Indian writers, embrace the concept of wholeness.

"When you think about it, we are so fragmented, competitive and materialistic," Anderson said. "He is like so many that speaks the wholeness piece. We are just pieces of a puzzle."

Schedule of events

Helena Festival of the Book, Oct. 9-12

All events are free unless otherwise noted. For information go to www.helenabookfest.com.

Friday, Oct. 10

Noon: Humanities lecture -- Krys Holmes talks about writing the new Montana history textbook, "Montana: Stories of the Land," Montana Historical Society

4 p.m.: Students read work produced during workshops with Montana writers ML Smoker and Joseph Marshall III, Holter Museum of Art

5-7 p.m.: Book fair and reception, Holter Museum of Art

7 p.m.: Gala Reading featuring Joseph Marshall III, Kirby Larson and Montana poet laureate Greg Pape, Holter Museum of Art

Saturday, Oct. 11

9-11 a.m.: Workshops (Cost is $25; pre-registration is required. Call 443-0287.) Various locations

• Fred Haefele -- essay

• Russell Rowland -- fiction

• Joseph Marshall III

• Susanna Sonnenberg -- memoir

• Michel Hogue -- getting published

11:30 a.m.: Poetics Lecture -- Rusty Morrison on "Poetry, Panic and the Panic Experience," Holter Museum of Art

1:30-3 p.m.: Tribal histories panel discussion with Carol Murray, Julie Cajune, Caleb Shields and Richard Littlebear, moderated by Michel Hogue.

3:15-5 p.m.: Afternoon reading with Russell Rowland and Stephenie Ambrose Tubbs, Holter Museum of Art

7 p.m.: Gala Reading features Rusty Morrison and Susanna Sonnenberg, plus Ellen Baumler and J.M. Cooper will unveil their new book on Montana State Prison at Deer Lodge. A reception will follow. Holter Museum of Art

Sunday, Oct. 11

11:30 a.m.: Literary Heritage Program -- Rick Newby and Alex Swaney discuss Frida Fliegelman's collected poetry, Myrna Loy Center

7 p.m.: Blues at the Myrna -- Cephas and Wiggins with Henry Gray. Tickets are $20. Call 443-0287, Myrna Loy Center.

Reporter Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com