Oct. 3, 2003

Contact: JB Cisneros, (785) 248-3138.

KU nontraditional Native American student publishes first novel

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas junior JB Cisneros from Holton is looking forward to seeing his first novel appear in bookstores this month. Titled "Moccasins, Money and Murder," his book is a story borne of personal conflict within his tribe, the Kickapoo Nation.

Cisneros has written a fictional account of his experiences when he was elected treasurer of the Kickapoo Nation. He campaigned that he would expose what he saw as improprieties within the tribe's finances. When he began to carry out his campaign promises, Cisneros was removed from office and from the reservation.

Cisneros said he decided to document his account of the incident.

"When you reach such a frustration level, all reason goes out the window. I could have easily found myself physically taking matters into my own hands, but writing a book was my escape. I was venting my frustration," said Cisneros, a 42-year-old nontraditional student majoring in communication studies.

A native of Kansas City, Kan., Cisneros graduated from Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence in 1982 with a degree in business. He became treasurer of his tribal council after working in the banking business in California for a number of years.

Within two years of being forced off the reservation, Cisneros had finished a manuscript. Set in Oklahoma, "Moccasins, Money and Murder" weaves a tale of a fictional fraud within the Indian Gaming Commission and a Native American casino. Cisneros is turning the story into a screenplay as well.

Cisneros said that when he finished his novel he sent out queries to 10 publishing companies and to agents. In fall 2002, his new agent referred him to Publish America in Frederick, Md., which accepted his manuscript.

Since completing his novel, Cisneros has founded the Native American Junior Golf Association in Mayetta and is working toward a bachelor's degree in communication studies at KU. Cisneros said that while growing up in Kansas, he always was a fan of the Jayhawks.

While attending Powhattan High School, he participated in Boys State when it was at KU and remembers telling himself, "If I ever had the chance, I would come back here and fulfill my dream of being a Jayhawk."

On Nov. 4, the Kansas Union Bookstore will host a book signing for Cisneros.