Ward Churchill

Ward Churchill is an American author and former academic known for his controversial writings on Native American issues and U.S. government policies. He served as a professor of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado Boulder from 1990 to 2007, producing numerous works examining the historical treatment of political dissidents and indigenous peoples. Churchill gained widespread attention in 2005 for his essay "On the Justice of Roosting Chickens," in which he characterized the September 11 attacks as a consequence of U.S. foreign policy. His provocative description of World Trade Center workers as "little Eichmanns" sparked significant public controversy and media scrutiny. The controversy led to an investigation of Churchill's academic work by the University of Colorado, resulting in his termination in 2007 for alleged research misconduct. While Churchill has claimed Native American heritage, genealogical research has not supported these claims, and he is not recognized as a member of any tribal nation.

Readers express strong opposing views about Churchill's works, reflecting deep ideological divisions. Those who rate his books favorably cite: - Detailed documentation of historical injustices against Native Americans - Analysis exposing government suppression of political movements - Raw, unflinching examination of U.S. policies Common criticisms include: - Perceived anti-American bias and inflammatory rhetoric - Questions about source accuracy and citation methods - Writing style described as "dense" and "difficult to follow" On Goodreads, Churchill's books average 3.8/5 stars across all titles. "A Little Matter of Genocide" rates highest at 4.1/5 from 312 reviews. Amazon ratings show similar polarization - most books receive either 5 stars or 1 star, with few ratings in between. "Acts of Rebellion" averages 3.5/5 from 42 reviews. One recurring reader note: "Important topics that deserve discussion, but the author's approach and tone undermine the message." Several readers mention checking primary sources themselves due to doubts about Churchill's interpretations.

A Little Matter of Genocide: Holocaust and Denial in the Americas 1492 to the Present (1997) An examination of the treatment of Native Americans through the lens of genocide studies, comparing various historical events across the Americas.

Kill the Indian, Save the Man: The Genocidal Impact of American Indian Residential Schools (2004) A detailed study of the Native American residential school system and its long-term effects on indigenous communities and cultures.

On the Justice of Roosting Chickens: Reflections on the Consequences of U.S. Imperial Arrogance and Criminality (2003) An analysis of U.S. foreign policy and its global consequences, including a chronology of military interventions and their impacts.

Acts of Rebellion: The Ward Churchill Reader (2003) A collection of essays covering topics from indigenous rights to political repression in the United States.

Struggle for the Land: Native North American Resistance to Genocide, Ecocide, and Colonization (2002) An examination of Native American land rights and environmental issues in North America.

From a Native Son: Selected Essays in Indigenism, 1985-1995 (1996) A compilation of essays focusing on indigenous rights, sovereignty, and political activism.

Pacifism as Pathology: Reflections on the Role of Armed Struggle in North America (1986) A critique of pacifist ideology and its effectiveness in achieving social change.

Vine Deloria Jr. analyzed federal Indian policy and wrote extensively about Native American rights from a legal and philosophical perspective. His work "Custer Died for Your Sins" and "God Is Red" challenged mainstream narratives about Indigenous peoples and their relationship with the U.S. government.

Howard Zinn documented American history from the perspective of marginalized groups and social movements. His "A People's History of the United States" examined historical events through the lens of class struggle and power dynamics.

Noam Chomsky examines U.S. foreign policy and media control through detailed analysis of primary sources and government documents. His work focuses on institutional power structures and their impact on global politics and social justice.

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz writes about Indigenous peoples' resistance and the impacts of colonialism in North America. Her book "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States" presents historical events from Native perspectives and challenges conventional narratives.

Peter Matthiessen investigated Native American activism and the American Indian Movement through direct reporting and interviews. His book "In the Spirit of Crazy Horse" documented the events at Wounded Knee and the subsequent legal battles of Leonard Peltier.