Struggle for the Land: Native North American Resistance to Genocide, Ecocide, and Colonization

by Ward Churchill, Jimmie Durham (Foreword by), Winona LaDuke (Preface by)

From the Sonora to the Arctic, North America's indigenous peoples have been dispossessed of nearly all their original territory, with the residue held undera a colonial "trust" authority by the U.S. and Canada. Ironically, the presumably useless fragments of geography set aside to keep Native Americans out of sight and mind have turned out to be some of the most resource-rich on the planet. Native Americans should thus be among the most affluent sectors of the population, but instead, they are the absolute poorest. The reason for this paradox is the riches of North America's indigenous nations continue to be channeled into the settler's economy. By focusing upon certain modes of resource exploitation, Churchill demonstrates clearly that the effects of state/corporate business in the native-populated hinterlands of the continent are as ecocidal as they are genocidal. The ecological havoc being wreaked cannot be contained within reservation areas, and therefore poses a threat to all North Americans, presenting a common ground upon which Indians and non-Indians alike can and must struggle to repeal the status quo. This seminal book established Churchill as an intellectual force to be reckoned with in indigenous land rights debates. Required reading for anyone interested in Native North America and ecological justice. Revised and expanded edition.

Genres: History, Indigenous, Indigenous History, Native American, Nonfiction, Native Americans, Politics

460 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Ward Churchill (Keetowah Cherokee) has achieved an unparalleled reputation as a scholar-activist and analyst of indigenous issues. He was a Professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, from 1990 till 2007; a leading member of the American Indian Movement (AIM); and has been a delegate to the U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations. He is the author of numerous books, including A Little Matter of Genocide, Fantasies of the Master Race, and Struggle for the Land.

Reviews

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another strong book from Churchill covering native struggles in North America against the U.S. and Canadian governments, extractive corporations, and white ignorance. From 1993, the book is only dated in being unable to predict the future, but highly instructive as to the way those in power exploit Indians and Indian land relentlessly--with the majority of the populations acquiescence.

[Daniel Burton-Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Ward's best. "I Am Indigenist," and the essays on radioactive colonization and the proposed buffalo commons are particularly memorable.

[Michael Norwitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Churchill explicates the history of the American government's violation of Native American treaties, and its involvement in environmental destruction of Native land. Some of his indiginist political polemic will alienate some readers, but they are worthy of discussion, and this is an important book for any who need to be educated on these issues.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too much violence to the Indigenous peoples in too many forms but their resistance continues and may they always strike back against the oppressers.

[Spicy T AKA Mr. Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little intimidated picking up this 400+ page book thinking that it would take me months to read. The reality became that I read it in two weeks because the author wrote it in an accessible way. Churchill's arguments are straightforward and to the point; he doesn't meander through philosophy. His research and retelling of North American indigenous land struggle is fierce, direct, and grounded in reality and history. A pretty amazing piece of history--much of it I've heard in expressions and short anecdotes, but nothing as concrete and researched as this. I admit this is the first book I've read on the subject, so there might be other books with even better argumentation and research. If you know of any, please leave a comment. I would recommend this book.

[City Lights Booksellers & Publishers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner of the Gustavus Myers Award for Literature on Human Rights

This seminal book established Churchill as an intellectual force to be reckoned with in indigenous land rights debates. Required reading for anyone interested in Native North America and ecological justice. Revised and expanded edition.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was written by Ward Churchill, who was vilified by the (right wing side of the) media after September 11 for writing things critical of US foreign policy. It turns out he's the husband of my international law professor.

[Stephanie Narvaez]

a lot