Dammed: The Politics of Loss and Survival in Anishinaabe Territory

Dammed examines the impact of hydroelectric development on Anishinaabe communities in Treaty 3 territory, focusing on the period between 1950-1970. The book traces how the construction of dams along the Winnipeg River system transformed Indigenous landscapes and livelihoods. Through extensive archival research and oral histories, historian Brittany Luby documents the complex interactions between Indigenous residents, government officials, and hydroelectric operators. The narrative centers on the experiences of two Indigenous families as they navigate environmental changes and economic pressures brought by dam construction. The work establishes connections between colonial resource extraction, environmental change, and Indigenous sovereignty in mid-twentieth century Canada. Through this historical case study, Luby demonstrates how infrastructure projects continue to shape relationships between settler governments and Indigenous nations. The book contributes to broader discussions about environmental justice, Indigenous rights, and the ongoing impacts of resource development in North America. It raises questions about the true costs of energy production and the responsibilities of settler societies to Indigenous communities.

Readers highlight the book's detailed archival research and its focus on the human impact of hydroelectric development on Anishinaabe communities. Reviews note the clear connections drawn between colonial infrastructure projects and their effects on Indigenous food security and health outcomes. Positive notes: - Documentation of specific families and individual experiences - Integration of Indigenous and Western historical sources - Accessible writing style for academic research - Strong use of photographs and maps Criticisms: - Some sections become repetitive - Limited perspective beyond the Lake of the Woods region - Academic tone in certain chapters can be dense Ratings: Goodreads: 4.8/5 (5 ratings) Amazon.ca: No reviews available UBC Press: No public reviews The book has limited online reviews due to its recent publication and academic focus. Most feedback comes from academic journals and Indigenous studies scholars.

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🌊 Brittany Luby is herself Anishinaabe, from the Ochiichagwe'Babigo'Ining First Nation, bringing a deeply personal perspective to her research about hydroelectric development's impact on Indigenous communities. 🌿 The book focuses on the Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake watershed region, examining how dam construction between 1892 and 1934 transformed the landscape and lives of local Anishinaabe people. 📚 Through extensive use of archival materials, oral histories, and family records, Luby reveals how changes in water levels affected traditional wild rice harvesting—a crucial spiritual and economic activity for the Anishinaabe. 🏗️ The Norman Dam, completed in 1898, was one of the first major hydroelectric projects in the region and became a symbol of how industrial development prioritized settler interests over Indigenous rights and practices. 🗣️ The book challenges conventional progress narratives by highlighting how Indigenous communities actively responded to and resisted environmental changes, rather than being passive victims of colonization.