Basic Call to Consciousness

by Akwesasne Notes

This is actually a collection of position papers originally delivered at the conference on "Discrimination Against the Indigenous Populations of the Americas" hosted by the Non-Governmental Organizations of the United Nations in Geneva in 1977. These papers present a compelling critique of Western Culture and an eloquent text on the rights of Indigenous nations. New material by John Mohawk, Chief Oren Lyons, and José Barreiro give background information on the events leading up to this meeting, a historical perspective on the struggle for self-determination by Indgenous peoples, and a look to a new era of possibility for Native nations. Not many books portray the heart and courage of so many people in one volume.

Genres: Indigenous, History, Nonfiction, Politics, School

Paperback

First published May 31, 2005

Reviews

[Grace]

incredible short text outlining the history and lifeways/worldview of the haudenosaunee nation. very easy to read, should be required reading for high school students

[Kelly Kress]

Wow… this is a smaller book but packed with enough information to carry decades worth of discussion. And the best part? It is so easily digestible. Speaking of the first Native American or Indigenous Peoples representation in Geneva, the impact of colonialism on politics, economy & philosophy, and documenting some of the major changes brought about by the American Indian Movement. I loved it!!

[Karl Dockstader]

This is a very well written manifesto on how to improve the world from the time tested perspective of the Haudenosaunee people.

[Brian Hull]

A must read...you can likely skim the first part but the actual Basic Call to Consciousness section could have been written today.

[Jamie]

Essential reading for anyone living on Haudenosaunee land in Ontario, New York, or Quebec.

[Mac Schmidt]

I liked it, also had to only read snippets for class, but the words were single spaced and too close together so it was really hard for me to focus on the text.

[Natalie C]

I just purchased a copy last week and skimmed through it before attending Jose Barreiro's keynote address, at a conference honouring John Mohawk. Great, great speaker and John Mohawk wrote some amazing material. I'm gonna reread this with more care, it seems worth it. The pictures don't hurt either! Also autographed by Jose Barreiro.

[Diane]

This is a good place to start, if you are clueless regarding the spiritual/political foundations of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois). It is, perhaps, a bit arrogant to assume they only, among all people, have consciousness of the fragile eco-balance of this earth, but I give them kudos for stepping up and presenting a different world view at the Geneva United Nations conference of 1977.

[Nicole]

Absolutely amazing book, I highly encourage you to read this to give you a better understanding of indigenous history and the current problems they face in regards to human rights. It's also a call to save our natural world.

[Clay Mcglaughlin]

Highest possible recommendation. Absolutely a must read.