ELEC copy Purchased from the NMAI Library Endowment
Contents:
Acknowledgments -- Preface -- Maps -- Chapter One: The struggles begin -- Chapter Two: The challenges ahead -- Chapter Three: Sacred sites and culture: the spiritual assault -- Chapter Four: Environmental sovereignty in Indian country -- Chapter Five: The battles continue -- Appendix I: American Indian religious freedom, Public Law 95--341 -- Appendix II: Chief Seattle's speech -- Chapter notes -- Bibliography -- Index
Summary:
"Since the arrival of European settlers, Native American cultural sovereignty has been under attack. Self-determination is a tribal right of Native people, but colonial oppression banned their traditions and religion, purloined and misused sacred sites, and betrayed treaties when convenient. Over time, the settlers usurped Native American culture to make room for white settlers, and these destructive behaviors continue today. Within the dearth of Native American culture left after forced assimilation, American Indians still struggle to retain their rights. In this historical account of the despotism against Native American culture, the altercations of sovereignty, territory, and pluralistic democracy are analyzed in an effort to provide a path towards justice."--Provided by publisher"-- Provided by publisher