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bookherd's review against another edition
4.0
As the title suggests, this book contains answers to common questions non-Native people have about Native Americans--everything from "What are coming of age ceremonies?" and "Should Leonard Peltier be freed?" to questions that seem downright rude, like "Why do Indians have so many kids?" The questions are answered by the author in a personal tone. He is careful to say that he is answering from his own perspective and that if you ask a different person the same questions, you are likely to get some different answers. The book is divided into chapters on terminology, history, religion and culture, education, politics, etc., so you can skip straight to the topics that interest you, or you can read straight through (like I did).
I enjoyed reading this book. I learned plenty that I didn't know (and that I would have been afraid to ask), and I appreciated Treuer's matter of fact approach to all of the questions he addresses. In fact, I would say this is a gracious book. In his conclusion, he writes, "Don't imagine Indians, understand them. Keep asking questions, reading, listening and advocating for change. Don't tolerate stereotypes, and don't be afraid to ask everything you wanted to know about Indians. And if you're native, give a meaningful response to those questions rather than an angry rebuke. It really does make a difference." This book models that spirit of welcoming honest questions and giving meaningful answers.
I enjoyed reading this book. I learned plenty that I didn't know (and that I would have been afraid to ask), and I appreciated Treuer's matter of fact approach to all of the questions he addresses. In fact, I would say this is a gracious book. In his conclusion, he writes, "Don't imagine Indians, understand them. Keep asking questions, reading, listening and advocating for change. Don't tolerate stereotypes, and don't be afraid to ask everything you wanted to know about Indians. And if you're native, give a meaningful response to those questions rather than an angry rebuke. It really does make a difference." This book models that spirit of welcoming honest questions and giving meaningful answers.
lyndsay_bibliophile's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
4.0
This book takes on a difficult task: offering a broad overview of diverse perspectives of Indigenous cultures for the uninformed reader. But Anton Treuer does a commendable job providing accessible insights without falling into harmful generalizations.
For those with little to no exposure to Indigenous communities, this book serves as a valuable entry point. The writing is clear and engaging, making it an easy read for anyone curious about learning more.
However, it's important to remember that even the most well-intentioned generalizations will have limitations. Each Native nation possesses unique and distinct cultures, beliefs, and experiences. While Treuer's broad strokes offer a helpful starting point, it's vital to recognize this book as just that – a glimpse.
While I appreciate the inclusion of references for further exploration, I can't condone the inclusion of Sherman Alexie without acknowledging the controversies surrounding his behavior.
One area I felt could be significantly expanded is the section on sovereignty. Sovereignty extends far beyond mere land rights, and delving deeper into its complexities would further enrich the reader's understanding.
This is a valuable resource for anyone seeking an initial foray into understanding Indigenous peoples today. However, it's crucial to remember that this book only scratches the surface. Use it as a springboard to delve deeper, engage with diverse Native voices, and continuously challenge your own assumptions.
Recommended for: Readers curious about Indigenous cultures with limited prior knowledge.
Caveats: Be aware of the inherent limitations of generalizations and seek out further resources from a wider range of Native authors.
benrogerswpg's review against another edition
4.0
This was a really good and interesting read.
Learned a lot.
I would say that it's not as detailed as [b:21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality|38620150|21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality|Bob Joseph|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519061949l/38620150._SY75_.jpg|60235394], but I still enjoyed it a bunch!
3.8/5
Learned a lot.
I would say that it's not as detailed as [b:21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality|38620150|21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality|Bob Joseph|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519061949l/38620150._SY75_.jpg|60235394], but I still enjoyed it a bunch!
3.8/5
seethinglloron's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
2.75
Pretty good as a basic overview. I can't speak to how clear the social-political-emotional information might be for beginners, as I feel confident and secure in my education on that front before entering. I'll say that the economic-political policy was an interesting primer, though of course I would love something more thorough.
I did feel some hesitancy on some of the ideas and points shared by Treuer. I absolutely disagree that there is little worth in Native fiction/film and that documentaries and nonfiction are king. I disagree on the blanket assertion that the important thing for non-natives to do when interested in cultural tourism is to simply ask an elder before seeking a "Native" name, rather than interrogating the urge to participate in that. I disagree on how Indigenous nations and bands from Central/South America are discussed and glossed over in this discussion and wish that we'd focused solely on North American Native issues rather than just vaguely allude to Central/South Americans as points of debate.
I won't be the first to say that this is barely scratching the surface in so many ways. I wish there was a more... multi-sided look in the conversation about mascots- I work for a college that has a "Native" mascot because there is a legal-financial agreement with the relevant Nation, and I'd love to hear a centrist perspective on that (regardless of my opinions and the opinions of the leftist Indigenous folks I follow). I wish there was more of a conversation about Nations that have engaged in controversial economic deals with the BIA and Congress around nuclear and fossil fuels, especially when thinking about land stewardship. I wish there were leftist and conservative Indigenous takes on these questions, though I appreciate Treuer's point that he does not speak for all Native Americans. I wish there was a conversation about tribes that are not federally recognized that was more thorough, especially in conjunction with blood quantum. I know this book is a little dated, but I wish there had been more of a conversation about the Landback movement and the "AIM" movement that didn't dance around their more pointed protests and ideas.
As I expected, this would have been better for me to read in high school, rather than now.
I did feel some hesitancy on some of the ideas and points shared by Treuer. I absolutely disagree that there is little worth in Native fiction/film and that documentaries and nonfiction are king. I disagree on the blanket assertion that the important thing for non-natives to do when interested in cultural tourism is to simply ask an elder before seeking a "Native" name, rather than interrogating the urge to participate in that. I disagree on how Indigenous nations and bands from Central/South America are discussed and glossed over in this discussion and wish that we'd focused solely on North American Native issues rather than just vaguely allude to Central/South Americans as points of debate.
I won't be the first to say that this is barely scratching the surface in so many ways. I wish there was a more... multi-sided look in the conversation about mascots- I work for a college that has a "Native" mascot because there is a legal-financial agreement with the relevant Nation, and I'd love to hear a centrist perspective on that (regardless of my opinions and the opinions of the leftist Indigenous folks I follow). I wish there was more of a conversation about Nations that have engaged in controversial economic deals with the BIA and Congress around nuclear and fossil fuels, especially when thinking about land stewardship. I wish there were leftist and conservative Indigenous takes on these questions, though I appreciate Treuer's point that he does not speak for all Native Americans. I wish there was a conversation about tribes that are not federally recognized that was more thorough, especially in conjunction with blood quantum. I know this book is a little dated, but I wish there had been more of a conversation about the Landback movement and the "AIM" movement that didn't dance around their more pointed protests and ideas.
As I expected, this would have been better for me to read in high school, rather than now.
crystal_reading's review against another edition
5.0
Many non-Native people have ideas about what it means to be Indian. They may or may not ask the questions that bounce around in their heads. They may not even know which questions they would ask if given a chance. In this book, Anton Treuer shares his answers to many questions and "offers a critical first step to comfortably dispel erroneous imaginings and develop deeper understandings."
This is a good beginning place for learning about Indians. It isn't meant to be exhaustive, but attempts to provide answers to common questions in a way that is easy to understand. He took very complex issues and explained them simply and with diplomacy.
As he delved into the history, he noted, "We cannot afford to sugarcoat the dark chapters of our history, as we have for decades upon decades." He brings some of the dark moments out into the light - not for purposes of making people feel guilty - but to see that these moments aren't repeated and to work towards healing.
Along with history, Treuer focuses on terminology, religion, culture & identity, powwow, tribal languages, politics, economics, education, and the future. He covers many topics, but they are in small bite size pieces for the most part. The book isn't necessarily meant to be read cover to cover in one sitting.
There were several things that stood out to me as an educator in Wisconsin. The first big revelation was The Great Seal of the Territory of Wisconsin (you can see it here). The Latin caption on the seal says "Civilization Succeeds Barbarism" and there is an Indian facing west towards a steamship. This would likely be one of the Ho-Chunk who were forcibly moved to Nebraska. I have seen the state seal, but hadn't ever looked at the territory seal. This would definitely be something to look at critically with students when discussing the history of Wisconsin and the perception of settlers in the 1800s. It would also create space for discussion of the Ho-Chunk perspective.
The explanations surrounding sovereignty were also helpful, but another thing that really stood out was the questions and answers around tribal language. He noted that tribal languages "are defining features of nationhood." He also noted that tribal languages should be important to all U.S. citizens. He states, "the survival of tribal languages and cultures is a litmus test for the morality of our nation and its ability to provide for the needs of all of its citizens."
Throughout the book there are issues that could generate guilt or anger, but Treuer points out that these emotions aren't going to fix anything. Fortunately, he also includes a section about what people can do moving forward.
This is a great book for educators, but I would recommend it to anyone who has gathered knowledge of Indians primarily via history classes and the media.
This is a good beginning place for learning about Indians. It isn't meant to be exhaustive, but attempts to provide answers to common questions in a way that is easy to understand. He took very complex issues and explained them simply and with diplomacy.
As he delved into the history, he noted, "We cannot afford to sugarcoat the dark chapters of our history, as we have for decades upon decades." He brings some of the dark moments out into the light - not for purposes of making people feel guilty - but to see that these moments aren't repeated and to work towards healing.
Along with history, Treuer focuses on terminology, religion, culture & identity, powwow, tribal languages, politics, economics, education, and the future. He covers many topics, but they are in small bite size pieces for the most part. The book isn't necessarily meant to be read cover to cover in one sitting.
There were several things that stood out to me as an educator in Wisconsin. The first big revelation was The Great Seal of the Territory of Wisconsin (you can see it here). The Latin caption on the seal says "Civilization Succeeds Barbarism" and there is an Indian facing west towards a steamship. This would likely be one of the Ho-Chunk who were forcibly moved to Nebraska. I have seen the state seal, but hadn't ever looked at the territory seal. This would definitely be something to look at critically with students when discussing the history of Wisconsin and the perception of settlers in the 1800s. It would also create space for discussion of the Ho-Chunk perspective.
The explanations surrounding sovereignty were also helpful, but another thing that really stood out was the questions and answers around tribal language. He noted that tribal languages "are defining features of nationhood." He also noted that tribal languages should be important to all U.S. citizens. He states, "the survival of tribal languages and cultures is a litmus test for the morality of our nation and its ability to provide for the needs of all of its citizens."
Throughout the book there are issues that could generate guilt or anger, but Treuer points out that these emotions aren't going to fix anything. Fortunately, he also includes a section about what people can do moving forward.
This is a great book for educators, but I would recommend it to anyone who has gathered knowledge of Indians primarily via history classes and the media.