Yakama Rising: Indigenous Cultural Revitalization, Activism, and Healing

by Michelle M. Jacob

The Yakama Nation of present-day Washington State has responded to more than a century of historical trauma with a resurgence of grassroots activism and cultural revitalization. This pathbreaking ethnography shifts the conversation from one of victimhood to one of ongoing resistance and resilience as a means of healing the soul wounds of settler colonialism. Yakama Indigenous Cultural Revitalization, Activism, and Healing argues that Indigenous communities themselves have the answers to the persistent social problems they face. This book contributes to discourses of Indigenous social change by articulating a Yakama decolonizing praxis that advances the premise that grassroots activism and cultural revitalization are powerful examples of decolonization.Michelle M. Jacob employs ethnographic case studies to demonstrate the tension between reclaiming traditional cultural practices and adapting to change. Through interviewees’ narratives, she carefully tacks back and forth between the atrocities of colonization and the remarkable actions of individuals committed to sustaining Yakama heritage. Focusing on three domains of Indigenous revitalization—dance, language, and foods—Jacob carefully elucidates the philosophy underlying and unifying each domain while also illustrating the importance of these practices for Indigenous self-determination, healing, and survival.In the impassioned voice of a member of the Yakama Nation, Jacob presents a volume that is at once intimate and specific to her home community and that also advances theories of Indigenous decolonization, feminism, and cultural revitalization. Jacob’s theoretical and methodological contributions make this work valuable to a range of students, academics, tribal community members, and professionals, and an essential read for anyone interested in the ways that grassroots activism can transform individual lives, communities, and society.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Social Commentary

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Sandy]

I first came across this book when working at the course materials department at the university bookstore. It seems interesting but I didn’t think much of it and moved on. Years later when I went to the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts I wanted to learn more about Native issues and I came across this book in the bookshop/gift shop area. I had wanted to find something to help me learn but then I realized that what better place to start than a book centered on a place that if not familiar was at least known to me as someone who lives in Washington. So I picked it up and now I finally got to it.

I was worried it would be hard and not enjoyable to read being a more research/academic type of writing but the content itself made it easy to get invested and follow along. I think the main that I got about this and what it talks about is how simple but complicated and meaningful the work described in the book is. There is so much meaning behind a dance club and learning how to filet a fish even though those seem like everyday things to me. But the lessons and teachings behind these activities is so much bigger than what they might seem in isolation trimmed down to its most basic parts.

I feel grateful to have been able to read this book and I hope I don’t just forget it all or act like I never read it. I’d like to be able to participate in something as meaningful as what happens here in this book but I suppose we shall have to wait and see how things play out.

[David Grosskopf · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an unfair rating, because I'm rating the reading experience, and this book is an ethnography, and serves important uses as such, even though it wasn't an enthralling read from my own context and needs. Yakama Rising, though, is a useful look at decolonizing efforts of a nearby tribe through dance, language, and other kinds of activism. It provides some historical detail I hadn't known, but most of all, it offers a path forward for Yakama and other tribes to preserving culture and spiritual strength in the face of so much trauma and uprooting, offering these through case studies and direct advice.

[Colin Winkler · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were dry, drawn out confusing parts in the book mixed along inspiring relevant ones. This is an associate professor’s take on both language revitalization through various praxes, with emphasis on a gentler more understanding approach. She includes not just classroom teaching, but hands on cultural learning as well.

[Keegan Livermore · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It is important to situate scholarly discussions about cultural revitalization within the local, grounded context of contemporary indigenous communities... the Renaissance is now" (126). This book both gives many and serves as an example of a thoughtful, respectful resource and overview of how activism, scholarship, and culture can work together to better indigenous communities. I am excited to continue using this book in my work now and in the future as I think of the seventh generation ahead and behind, in the hopes of a resilient, vibrant culture.

[Belinda Lum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich ethnography that looks at cultural revitalization in indigenous communities. Dr. Jacob provides a very rich accounting of the ways cultural practices can positively influence healing, identity, and the legacy of historical trauma.

[Josh Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid examination of three Yakama-specific case studies (food-language-dance) of cultural revitalization/survivance. A little too jargony in places - tendency to substitute jargon for analysis. Helpful outline of ways to work with communities. Worked well with students.

[Bjorn Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful illustrations of successful cultural revitalization. A good read for anyone interested in these subjects. Definitely recommend.