Book
The State of Native America: Genocide, Colonization, and Resistance
by M. Annette Jaimes
📖 Overview
The State of Native America: Genocide, Colonization, and Resistance examines the historical and ongoing impacts of European colonization on Indigenous peoples in North America. The book compiles essays from Native American scholars and activists who document systemic oppression and Indigenous resistance movements.
The text covers key topics including land rights violations, environmental exploitation, cultural suppression, and the manipulation of tribal sovereignty by government entities. Contributors analyze specific policies and legal frameworks that have shaped Native American communities from the arrival of Europeans through the present day.
The collection presents both traditional academic research and first-hand accounts from Indigenous perspectives, creating a comprehensive examination of Native American experiences. The work incorporates demographic data, treaty analyses, and case studies of specific tribes and regions.
This anthology serves as both historical documentation and contemporary critique, highlighting patterns of colonization while emphasizing Indigenous peoples' ongoing struggles for self-determination and cultural preservation. The essays collectively challenge dominant narratives about Native American history and identity.
👀 Reviews
Readers note this book provides detailed documentation of injustices against Native Americans through first-hand accounts and academic research. Many appreciate the comprehensive examination of topics from sovereignty to environmental issues.
Liked:
- In-depth analysis of legal and political issues
- Strong primary sources and documentation
- Multiple Native American perspectives represented
- Clear explanations of complex historical events
Disliked:
- Dense academic writing style
- Some readers found the tone too militant
- Limited discussion of potential solutions
- Organization can feel scattered
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.12/5 (51 ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 reviews)
Review quotes:
"Pulls no punches in describing genocide and ongoing oppression" - Goodreads reviewer
"Important but challenging read requiring concentration" - Amazon reviewer
"Could use more balance in presenting different viewpoints" - Goodreads reviewer
📚 Similar books
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
A historical account of North America from pre-colonial times through present day that centers Indigenous perspectives and resistance movements.
Custer Died for Your Sins by Vine Deloria Jr. The text examines U.S. government policies toward Native Americans and challenges mainstream narratives about Indigenous peoples.
Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide by Andrea Smith The work connects historical colonization to contemporary issues of violence against Native American women and communities.
Our History Is the Future by Nick Estes The book traces Indigenous resistance movements from the 1800s to Standing Rock, showing patterns of colonial conflict and Native American activism.
Everything You Know About Indians Is Wrong by Paul Chaat Smith The collection of essays deconstructs stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans while examining contemporary Indigenous identity and politics.
Custer Died for Your Sins by Vine Deloria Jr. The text examines U.S. government policies toward Native Americans and challenges mainstream narratives about Indigenous peoples.
Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide by Andrea Smith The work connects historical colonization to contemporary issues of violence against Native American women and communities.
Our History Is the Future by Nick Estes The book traces Indigenous resistance movements from the 1800s to Standing Rock, showing patterns of colonial conflict and Native American activism.
Everything You Know About Indians Is Wrong by Paul Chaat Smith The collection of essays deconstructs stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans while examining contemporary Indigenous identity and politics.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔖 The book was published in 1992 during the quincentennial (500th anniversary) of Columbus's arrival in the Americas, deliberately timed to counter celebratory narratives of "discovery"
📚 Editor M. Annette Jaimes assembled contributions from 15 prominent Native American scholars and activists, making it one of the first major academic works to primarily feature Indigenous voices
🏛️ The text directly challenges the U.S. government's claim that only 2-4 million Native Americans lived in North America pre-contact, presenting evidence for population estimates of 12-15 million
⚖️ The book was among the first mainstream academic publications to extensively document how U.S. nuclear testing disproportionately affected Native American communities and lands
🗣️ Several chapters examine how the American Indian Movement (AIM) of the 1970s influenced modern Indigenous resistance and sovereignty movements, providing first-hand accounts from participants