Editorial Review
Booklist Review of The Native American Experience
This timely entry in the Who We Are series (4 titles) reflects on how the historical and contemporary lives of Native Americans have shaped and continue to shape American culture. An opening “By the Numbers” section offers graphics with quick facts on total population, largest reservation, etc. The straightforward, thorough text begins with an overview of Native American cultural regions before Europeans arrived, emphasizing the varied differences among Indigenous people. Accompanied by archival and modern photos, subsequent chapters discuss such tragedies across Indian nations as forced relocation, boarding schools, and termination of rights as well as as well as such positives as rebuilding Native communities. While a final chapter recognizes ongoing modern challenges, including historical trauma, violence against women, and environmental protests, it ends on a hopeful note about Native Americans who seek to reverse trauma through environmental justice.
—Angela Leeper