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Red Alert!: Saving the Planet with Indigenous Knowledge
What the world needs today is a good dose of indigenous realism, says Native American scholar Daniel Wildcat in this thoughtful, forward-looking treatise. Red Alert! seeks to debunk the modern myths that humankind is the center of creation.
128 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2009
32 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Daniel R. Wildcat
8 books14 followersDaniel R. Wildcat (Yuchi, Muscogee) is the director of the American Indian studies program and the Haskell Environmental Research Studies Center at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas. He is the coauthor with Vine Deloria Jr. of Power and Place: Indian Education in America, and the coauthor with Steve Pavlik of Destroying Dogma: Vine Deloria Jr. and His Influence on American Society.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 7, 2020
A really good short and strong argument for the necessity of "indigenous realism" and "indigenuity" when addressing our climate crisis.
May 5, 2016
After series of relocations, the possible danger of this latest forced relocation due to the threat of global warming is making itself knows to the Native Americans in ways in which the rest of the U.S. does not suspect. This book is engaging and I recommend it to all!
July 5, 2014
Our climate emergency (the author calls it "global burning") is becoming impossible to ignore, and it is already too late to avert some catastrophic effects in 2014, and yet there is much to do and important reasons to do it. This book is an argument for important principles to be learned from indigenous peoples: "American Indian and Alaskan Native wisdom is a cooperative construction built on generations of attentive interaction between humans and the diversity of life found in the unique ecosystems and environments we call home."
This is, as repeatedly emphasized, not a call for a rejection of technology or a reset to some idealized past stage of development, but an argument for an "indigenous realism" in which "the value of technology is...a function of the symbiotic relationship between environment and culture."
It is effectively an extended introduction to an important topic, with some historical detail and a cursory presentation of some guiding principles that can be learned from Native approaches to technology and ecological balance, from the past and also the present. It is, however, not an academic work and does not go into these in depth, but urges the reader to consider and study this perspective more deeply.
This is, as repeatedly emphasized, not a call for a rejection of technology or a reset to some idealized past stage of development, but an argument for an "indigenous realism" in which "the value of technology is...a function of the symbiotic relationship between environment and culture."
It is effectively an extended introduction to an important topic, with some historical detail and a cursory presentation of some guiding principles that can be learned from Native approaches to technology and ecological balance, from the past and also the present. It is, however, not an academic work and does not go into these in depth, but urges the reader to consider and study this perspective more deeply.
October 5, 2021
I enjoyed reading this very enlightening and thoughtful book about "indigenuity" and its impact on environmental concerns. Red Alert! provides sound reasons for the argument for looking to indigenous peoples and their place-based knowledge to learn more about climate change and its toll on the world and on mankind. It made me think we should do a better job of listening to our planet trying live alongside, rather than against it.
February 9, 2018
Great message about issues with global warming (burning) from an indigenous viewpoint but the entire book is too repetitive.
November 26, 2024
What I remember about Dan Wildcat is seeing him regularly at the Western Social Sciences Association annual conferences. He was part of a coterie of small-time academics which fancied itself Vine Deloria Jr's proteges. A congenial and earnest bunch, which published little of consequence, but whose presence always made these meetings a pleasant experience. Despite the seriousness of Wildcat's topic in 'Red Alert', as I read I immediately heard his twangy Oklahoma accent and thought of those long ago meetings in Denver and Albuquerque.
At a brisk 139-pages, 'Red Alert' reads like classroom lectures edited into short book chapters, in which "Indigenous knowledge" is regarded as an antidote to a world suffering from fossil fuels, climate change, and an out-of-touch humanity, whose connection to nature is filtered through technology. To his credit, Wildcat acknowledges that Indigenous people, while being keepers of ancestral knowledge, are nevertheless enduring their own form of disconnectedness due to generations of colonization. As testament to their resiliency, Indigenous teachings about the earth are still extent in many Indigenous communities. In which case, the crisis inflicted by climate change may be the most compelling reason of all to enable Indigenous people to revitalize these teachings.
What is missing from 'Red Alert', alas, are substantial references to these teachings. Conspicuously missing is any reference to Mvskoke teachings, which is Wildcat's tradition. Although it is commonplace for Indigenous people to regard their people's teachings as being only for them, this does not preclude them from sharing stories, customs, values, and wisdom when it comes to protecting sacred places, children and elders, and treaty rights. Indigenous people do not proselytize, yet they can educate outsiders--to an extent--about "how they do things here." Wildcat does not seem to have any of these teachings to share with his reader.
Wildcat's anecdotes seem to consist of fondly remembered students, colleagues, and persons he met at conferences. Wildcat is especially anxious to let you know that he knew Vine, calling him a friend and mentor. Vine's influence notwithstanding, Wildcat does not seem adequately aware of his intellectual community, let alone what he thinks he is contributing to his academic field. As such, 'Red Alert' is long on platitudes and rhetoric, but short on insightful references. Where are the references, for example, to Winona Laduke's 'Recovering the Sacred' (2005), Barbara Kingsolver's 'Animal, Vegetable, Miracle' (2007), or Spratt and Sutton's 'Climate Code Red' (2008)?
In the end, 'Red Alert', despite its polemics, is a minor discourse on Indigenous environmentalism, where Indigenous people get to ride to the rescue instead of the cavalry. At least, Wildcat hopes that Indigenous knowledge will save the day. As it is, 'Red Alert' is a good but middling introduction to some of the key philosophical issues in Indigenous environmental thinking, such as the role of elders as a source of ancestral teachings, culture as a relationship to the environment, and Indigenous technology as a way of thinking about a post-fossil fuel future. Having said that, if you are teaching a class on the subject of Indigenous environmentalism, then may you want to consider adding substantive works to balance the generalizations that drive 'Red Alert'. Ironically, as climate change persists as a global problem, it has turned Indigenous environmentalism into a major academic field. Look for works by Melissa Nelson, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, and Devon Mihesuah. Wildcat had the good fortune of publishing ahead of much better writers and thinkers.
At a brisk 139-pages, 'Red Alert' reads like classroom lectures edited into short book chapters, in which "Indigenous knowledge" is regarded as an antidote to a world suffering from fossil fuels, climate change, and an out-of-touch humanity, whose connection to nature is filtered through technology. To his credit, Wildcat acknowledges that Indigenous people, while being keepers of ancestral knowledge, are nevertheless enduring their own form of disconnectedness due to generations of colonization. As testament to their resiliency, Indigenous teachings about the earth are still extent in many Indigenous communities. In which case, the crisis inflicted by climate change may be the most compelling reason of all to enable Indigenous people to revitalize these teachings.
What is missing from 'Red Alert', alas, are substantial references to these teachings. Conspicuously missing is any reference to Mvskoke teachings, which is Wildcat's tradition. Although it is commonplace for Indigenous people to regard their people's teachings as being only for them, this does not preclude them from sharing stories, customs, values, and wisdom when it comes to protecting sacred places, children and elders, and treaty rights. Indigenous people do not proselytize, yet they can educate outsiders--to an extent--about "how they do things here." Wildcat does not seem to have any of these teachings to share with his reader.
Wildcat's anecdotes seem to consist of fondly remembered students, colleagues, and persons he met at conferences. Wildcat is especially anxious to let you know that he knew Vine, calling him a friend and mentor. Vine's influence notwithstanding, Wildcat does not seem adequately aware of his intellectual community, let alone what he thinks he is contributing to his academic field. As such, 'Red Alert' is long on platitudes and rhetoric, but short on insightful references. Where are the references, for example, to Winona Laduke's 'Recovering the Sacred' (2005), Barbara Kingsolver's 'Animal, Vegetable, Miracle' (2007), or Spratt and Sutton's 'Climate Code Red' (2008)?
In the end, 'Red Alert', despite its polemics, is a minor discourse on Indigenous environmentalism, where Indigenous people get to ride to the rescue instead of the cavalry. At least, Wildcat hopes that Indigenous knowledge will save the day. As it is, 'Red Alert' is a good but middling introduction to some of the key philosophical issues in Indigenous environmental thinking, such as the role of elders as a source of ancestral teachings, culture as a relationship to the environment, and Indigenous technology as a way of thinking about a post-fossil fuel future. Having said that, if you are teaching a class on the subject of Indigenous environmentalism, then may you want to consider adding substantive works to balance the generalizations that drive 'Red Alert'. Ironically, as climate change persists as a global problem, it has turned Indigenous environmentalism into a major academic field. Look for works by Melissa Nelson, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, and Devon Mihesuah. Wildcat had the good fortune of publishing ahead of much better writers and thinkers.
January 19, 2012
Enthusiastic readers will agree, once in a while a book will dramatically change or deepen your view of a specific issue. My recent research into the language and customs of the Yuchi (Euchee) members of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, introduced me to the admirable work of Dr. Dan Wildcat PhD. Dr. Wildcat is a prominent, respected scholar, and member of the Muscogee Nation. He is a professor at the Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas.
Dr. Wildcat's forte' is in environmental research, and indigenous knowledge. My curiosity led me to video of some of his appearances at various symposiums around the country. His focus is on 'Global Warming' or as he refers to it 'Global Burning'. In RED ALERT, Dr. Wildcat introduces the reader to a harsh look into a devastating problem, but, ultimately, with a hopeful solution.
Although, the Professor is more convinced than I of the entire human cause of "Global Burning", I believe his argument is convincing, and gives credence to cyclical natural events. Despite the weight of blame, the human race is responsible for many vile acts against Mother Earth. Dr. Wildcat's solution rests in the indigenous peoples of our country, and around the world.
The tone of his book is poignant, and filled with passionate concern. About half of the book focuses on the problem, while the other half is a well thought out outline to a solution. Dr. Wildcat's resolution promotes the idea of a return to nature, living within our own unique geographic area. His theory points out many destructive problems that are a result of our Global Society. He often refers to this as "Homogenized". The result is a compilation of problems that can be solved no other way than through awareness, education, and ultimately a change in our "lifeway" path.
I found his belief uplifting and energizing, since this is a sentiment I have long shared. The difference is in Dr. Wildcats faith in humanity, he is convinced change can happen prior to disaster. My fear is disaster will bring change, and of course, survival would rely on our return to indigenous roots to begin, again. Nevertheless, the Professors solution with the right campaign is completely plausible.
I must mention, RED ALERT is a great resource for education, through parallels and lessons of both current and historical events Dr. Wildcat provides the reader with a great many little known facts. The reader will discover, how many wars were fought by Native Americans in the name of 'The Great Spirit'. The intricacies of the planes Wind Power Project and the treaties perhaps, responsible for the recent decline in their use as a serious solution to Green Power. These important facts, along with details of an ancient waterway supply in Arizona, and the indigenous practices of several current and ancestral tribes are fascinating, and helpful .
I urge everyone to buy and read a copy of RED ALERT by Dr. Dan Wildcat PhD. This is a situation that effects everyone.
Dr. Wildcat's forte' is in environmental research, and indigenous knowledge. My curiosity led me to video of some of his appearances at various symposiums around the country. His focus is on 'Global Warming' or as he refers to it 'Global Burning'. In RED ALERT, Dr. Wildcat introduces the reader to a harsh look into a devastating problem, but, ultimately, with a hopeful solution.
Although, the Professor is more convinced than I of the entire human cause of "Global Burning", I believe his argument is convincing, and gives credence to cyclical natural events. Despite the weight of blame, the human race is responsible for many vile acts against Mother Earth. Dr. Wildcat's solution rests in the indigenous peoples of our country, and around the world.
The tone of his book is poignant, and filled with passionate concern. About half of the book focuses on the problem, while the other half is a well thought out outline to a solution. Dr. Wildcat's resolution promotes the idea of a return to nature, living within our own unique geographic area. His theory points out many destructive problems that are a result of our Global Society. He often refers to this as "Homogenized". The result is a compilation of problems that can be solved no other way than through awareness, education, and ultimately a change in our "lifeway" path.
I found his belief uplifting and energizing, since this is a sentiment I have long shared. The difference is in Dr. Wildcats faith in humanity, he is convinced change can happen prior to disaster. My fear is disaster will bring change, and of course, survival would rely on our return to indigenous roots to begin, again. Nevertheless, the Professors solution with the right campaign is completely plausible.
I must mention, RED ALERT is a great resource for education, through parallels and lessons of both current and historical events Dr. Wildcat provides the reader with a great many little known facts. The reader will discover, how many wars were fought by Native Americans in the name of 'The Great Spirit'. The intricacies of the planes Wind Power Project and the treaties perhaps, responsible for the recent decline in their use as a serious solution to Green Power. These important facts, along with details of an ancient waterway supply in Arizona, and the indigenous practices of several current and ancestral tribes are fascinating, and helpful .
I urge everyone to buy and read a copy of RED ALERT by Dr. Dan Wildcat PhD. This is a situation that effects everyone.
January 18, 2018
Great Resource- used in Spring 20170 UMASS Anthro 370 w/ Sonya Atalay
December 4, 2018
Great book
Great book. I really liked how the author talks about climate burning and our need to adopt indigenous worldview to live with nature.
Great book. I really liked how the author talks about climate burning and our need to adopt indigenous worldview to live with nature.
March 15, 2021
Wonderful. Daniel has shown me a new way of looking at the world. The earth is full of relatives not resources.
April 24, 2023
A really interesting read that reframes important philosophical and climatic issues from an Indigenous perspective. Though the book may not be groundbreaking, the concepts of the "nature-culture nexus" and "Indigenous Realism" are important ways of rethinking the relationships between all beings from the perspective of a shared home-ground rather than privileging any single vantage point.
Very interesting stuff!
Very interesting stuff!
April 15, 2024
I hI had to read this one for school but found it interesting. There were some interesting talking points, but I would not read it for leisure purposes at all. I think I would mostly just be reading it for school. However, if you're interested in global warming and climate change, it is a really good starter book. So, I would recommend it for people who are interested in those kinds of areas.
August 23, 2020
Author makes some good observations about the course of world and what needs to be done. But is not convincing how the indigenous knowledge and wisdom actually can help change it. Saying 'trust me' never works.
Read
August 4, 2025Great
Took longer than I expected to due to serious heart attack and being clinically dead with some memory loss and being 82 years old but I recovered and was able to finish the book. I lived it.
Took longer than I expected to due to serious heart attack and being clinically dead with some memory loss and being 82 years old but I recovered and was able to finish the book. I lived it.
Want to read
September 11, 2019ht Sarah jacqz 9 Sept 2019
November 17, 2022
very important message but a little repetitive at times
Read
April 7, 2023read
November 22, 2023
good message but wildcat constantly repeats the same motifs every few pages with different phrasings. the conclusion is pretty much all you need to read to understand the message
February 14, 2024
While I did relate to a lot of it, I felt there wasn’t a lot of solid ideas of how we implement this knowledge not just to help Natives, but everyone. It feels like it needs more.
March 8, 2024
pretty much an extended introduction on indigenous solutions to climate change
November 4, 2014
I do agree with everything Wildcat was saying and I recognize how us Americans have been the majority of the problem with the environment, however the entire time reading this book I felt attacked by Wildcat. He frequently blamed everyone else for ruining the Earth and how the Native Americans did nothing wrong and have always been taking care of the Earth until we destroyed it from them. And now we should be at their mercy because they know what to do. He frequently blamed us, and harshly, by calling us weeds among many other things. So overall I agree with his message that he was trying to really emphasize, however I was disappointed that he spent the majority of the book blaming us instead of saying how to resolve anything, except that Native Americans are superior to us and we are at their mercy.
March 15, 2013
This is a nice book for someone who is interested in indigenous knowledge on a personal level, but it is not a defining text, nor is it particularly academic. Its main message, that traditional ecological knowledge is a function of the culture and local environment of a people, can be applied to help avert environmental catastrophe is a good one. Wildcat, however, fails to go into much detail about how this would happen. He seems to deal primarily with platitudes. If you are academically interested in TEK, I suggest Berkes' Sacred Ecology.
July 25, 2024
Wildcat succumbs to some tropes, as clearly seen by his book's startling cover image, but he does provide a different viewpoint of climate change as a subset of Indigenous environmentalism and, to some degree, spiritual animism. It's a brief book and did shift my views somewhat.
Want to read
February 9, 2009This auther, Dan Wildcat is coming to the University of Maine at Machias on March 18 to present! I want to read his book too! He sounds like an interesting guy!
February 4, 2017
Constant repetition
Author says the same thing over and over. This book could be two pages and deliver the same message. Skim it.
Author says the same thing over and over. This book could be two pages and deliver the same message. Skim it.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews