Who is an Indian?: Race, Place, and the Politics of Indigeneity in the Americas

by Maximilian C. Forte (Editor)

Who is an Indian? This is possibly the oldest question facing Indigenous peoples across the Americas, and one with significant implications for decisions relating to resource distribution, conflicts over who gets to live where and for how long, and clashing principles of governance and law. For centuries, the dominant views on this issue have been strongly shaped by ideas of both race and place. But just as important, who is permitted to ask, and answer this question? This collection examines the changing roles of race and place in the politics of defining Indigenous identities in the Americas. Drawing on case studies of Indigenous communities across North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, it is a rare volume to compare Indigenous experience throughout the western hemisphere. The contributors question the vocabulary, legal mechanisms, and applications of science in constructing the identities of Indigenous populations, and consider ideas of nation, land, and tradition in moving indigeneity beyond race.

Genres: Anthropology, History

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 28, 2013

Reviews

[Jess Staats · Rating 5 out of 5]

The case study methodology of the book connects the reader to unique cases of Indigenous identity and self-determination. It’s a must read for anyone seeking to make sense of Indigenous identity in contemporary times. The case study on the Cherokee is especially of value.

[phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of readable and urgent academic papers on the status of Indigenous people in the Americas. Framed by the naive question "who is an Indian?"

Canada: Inuits, Algonquins, Mi'kmaq.
USA: famous Mashantucket Pequots, the case of Kennewick Man, Cherokee.
Caribbean: Costa Rican Chorotega, Carib in Trinidad.
Brazil: Amazon and Andes, a government hamstrung by distrust of the populace.

Author bios at the end.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through a variety of local cases, the book analyzes different understandings of Indigeneity (especially who counts as an Indian and how that happens in specific places) across the Americas. Most of the chapters are brilliant. However, because of the composition and organization of the book, it mainly offers a North American perspective (emphasizing blood policies and nations over other understandings) of Indigeneity. Great and informative book nonetheless.

[TheEditingCompany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Copy edited by The Editing Company.

[LaGina · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent to children that are Native American I found his book very interesting. Very good read.