Native Studies Keywords

Critical Issues in Indigenous Studies

by Stephanie Nohelani Teves (Editor), Andrea Smith (Editor), Michelle Raheja (Editor)

Native Studies Keywords explores selected concepts in Native studies and the words commonly used to describe them, words whose meanings have been insufficiently examined. This edited volume focuses on the following eight concepts: sovereignty, land, indigeneity, nation, blood, tradition, colonialism, and indigenous knowledge. Each section includes three or four essays and provides definitions, meanings, and significance to the concept, lending a historical, social, and political context.
 
Take sovereignty, for example. The word has served as the battle cry for social justice in Indian Country. But what is the meaning of sovereignty? Native peoples with diverse political beliefs all might say they support sovereignty—without understanding fully the meaning and implications packed in the word.  
 
The field of Native studies is filled with many such words whose meanings are presumed, rather than articulated or debated. Consequently, the foundational terms within Native studies always have multiple and conflicting meanings. These terms carry the colonial baggage that has accrued from centuries of contested words.
 
Native Studies Keywords is a genealogical project that looks at the history of words that claim to have no history. It is the first book to examine the foundational concepts of Native American studies, offering multiple perspectives and opening a critical new conversation.

Genres: Indigenous

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2015

Reviews

[Pandaduh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me that words like "Sovereignty" and "Tradition" are actually very colonial and nationalistic and sometimes racist in theory and practice. They are not necessarily indigenous concepts that benefit indigenous peoples. Other words used in conjunction with native studies are explored.

Read my full review here: https://blackandwhitepandaduh.wordpre...

[Nicky McKenzie-Keyser · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to entirely change how you view the words we use to describe first nations peoples, read this book. It goes in depth to unpack terminology using essays from a variety of authors. However, before you begin you should be aware that one of the authors Andrea Smith was revealed a few years ago to not be indigenous. How that effects how you read this is up to you. Be aware that this book is dense, highly academic, and will make you head spin occasionally, but in a good way.