Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide

Conquest examines the intersection of sexual violence and colonialism against Native American peoples throughout history. Smith presents research and analysis documenting how sexual assault and abuse have been used as tools of genocide and oppression. The book connects historical patterns to contemporary issues affecting Native American communities, including environmental justice, reproductive rights, and sovereignty. Through interviews and case studies, Smith explores how these challenges stem from colonial policies and practices. The text moves between scholarly analysis and grassroots organizing perspectives, incorporating both academic research and activist frameworks. The work draws from Smith's experience as both a scholar and advocate for Indigenous rights. This confrontational work challenges readers to recognize how systems of oppression operate through gender violence and colonial power structures. The book offers frameworks for understanding these connections while pointing toward possibilities for healing and resistance.

Readers emphasize how the book connects historical violence against Native women to modern systemic issues and environmental exploitation. Many reviewers note its effectiveness in documenting both past and present abuses, particularly in boarding schools and through medical practices. Readers appreciate: - Clear links between colonialism and gender violence - Documentation of specific cases and evidence - Analysis of ongoing impacts on Native communities - Integration of feminist and indigenous perspectives Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Some sections feel repetitive - Limited discussion of potential solutions - Could use more first-hand accounts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) One reader notes: "Smith presents difficult material in a way that respects survivors while examining systemic causes." Another states: "The academic tone sometimes gets in the way of powerful stories that need to be told."

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🔹 Andrea Smith helped found INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence, an organization that works to address violence against women of color and their communities through direct action and critical dialogue. 🔹 The book draws connections between historical practices like forced sterilization of Native American women (which continued into the 1970s) and modern-day environmental racism affecting indigenous communities. 🔹 Smith's research reveals that by the 1970s, approximately 25% of Native American women of childbearing age had been sterilized without their informed consent through the Indian Health Service. 🔹 The concept of "spiritual appropriation" discussed in the book examines how the commodification of Native American spiritual practices contributes to cultural genocide alongside physical violence. 🔹 The author ties colonial gender violence to the concept of "terra nullius" (empty land), showing how European colonizers viewed both indigenous lands and bodies as "unoccupied" and therefore available for conquest.