Our History is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance by Nick Estes

Our History is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance by Nick Estes is a well-written, engaging but stark reminder that denying or ignoring history doesn't change what actually happened. Estes examines many of the ways the United States has whitewashed history in terms of its treatment of Indigenous peoples ever since Europeans discovered the North and South American continents. Estes offers a glimpse into the lives of the Indigenous people and how they resisted colonization and their own erasure. Our History is the Future investigates the various treaties with the Indigenous tribes broken by the United States government over centuries. Estes ties together struggles by Indigenous peoples around the world. In one particular example, Estes demonstrates how Palestinians and the Indigenous Peoples in the United States have supported each other as they have faced similar challenges. Explaining the #NoDAPL movement in context of the greater resistance to having land stolen, culture erased, and starvation provides a deeper understanding of the moment as part of a greater movement. Highlighting coalitions and efforts to work together also shines a light on the misinterpretation of the settlers to Indigenous processes of decision making and tribal relations. Our History is the Future is a hopeful look at the resistance of Indigenous peoples told through the lens of the Indigenous peoples of the United States that challenges us to see all of history so we can actually learn from it to create a better future.


Currently Reading:


Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein

Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal by Mohammed El-Kurd

Before the Next Bomb Drops: Rising Up From Brooklyn to Palestine by Remi Kanazi



Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links meaning if you click on those links and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

If you'd like to follow what I'm reading in real time, please follow/friend me on Bookbub, The StoryGraph, or Goodreads.

If you'd like to learn more about me and my books, please visit tlcooper.com.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Snitch in Time by Sunny Frazier

Image
Sunny Frazier always delights, and A Snitch in Time is no exception. She writes the Christy Bristol series in a way that feels lighthearted even in its darkest moments. When Bristol goes on vacation to visit her friend, Lennie, she never expects to get drafted into working for a different department doing her job. Bristol is intrigued enough by the crime at hand that her protestations seem half-hearted at times though her annoyance is very real. When she and Lennie get into a fight, she's left with nothing but the work the department expects her to do. Frazier drops the reader in the Sierra Nevada Foothills creating a sense of isolation that makes the reader cheer for Bristol to stand up to her superiors and get out of there while simultaneously wanting to her to solve the crime. When a witness contacts Bristol via phone she doesn't take her seriously at first only to discover she might have vital information. With suspicion cast in multiple directions, Bristol isn't sur...
Read more

Exit to Freedom by Calvin C. Johnson and Dr. Greg Hampikian

Calvin C. Johnson Junior’s story shines a spotlight on the issues within the American criminal justice system, yet is story is also one of self-discovery.   Together Johnson and Dr. Greg Hampikian write of a travesty with honesty and integrity.   Even though this story has a happy ending, don’t expect it to read like a novel.   It deals with heavy topics that are handled without ever forgetting there are real people involved.   The authors don’t attempt to paint Johnson as a hero or a victim.   They portray him as a human complete with flaws.   At time he will infuriate you and at others touch your heart deeply.   Telling someone’s truth as it really was is a difficult job, but Johnson and Hampikian shine in Exit to Freedom.
Read more

The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt

Image
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt was recommended reading for a class I took on morality. After watching his Ted Talk, I was intrigued, so I decided to read the book. I hoped for insight to help me communicate better with those with whom I disagree about politics and religion... This book didn't provide that kind of guidance. Haidt's research is interesting. His conclusions less so. His writing is approachable, and he explains both his research and his conclusions well. However, I found his redefining of terms to better fit his research disheartening because it felt disconnected from reality. I found The Righteous Mind reminiscent of religious apologists only applied to politics. The vast majority of the book hones in on politics leaving little room for a discussion on religion. Honestly, I found The Righteous Mind frustrating and insulting while it re-enforced my disdain for labels even when it tried to achieve the ...
Read more