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pink_distro's review against another edition
4.0
this was a great primer on Native issues from a left & anti colonial perspective ! it's written manifesto-style, so it's short, real easy to read and has lots of section demarcations. it got kinda weird when it would discuss tactics because they obviously aren't anarchist but they didn't make clear what the specific relationship with the state should be while pursuing decolonization,, but that's partially beyond the scope of this book so i get it. some parts i found most compelling and new to me were these sections:
anti-imperialism — they beautifully connect how amerikan and canadian increases in oil production through fracking and new pipelines on Native land just drive down the price of oil which Indigenous-led socialist states like venezuela rely on to provide for their people. it also talks about how even under the current progressive plans to pivot to green energy, the capitalist and imperial foundations mean that places like bolivia and the democratic republic of the congo would be plundered for metals like lithium and cobalt to build new solar tech while seeing almost no benefit. they make the links between settler colonialism and imperialism very tangible and clear
enforcement of treaty rights — they briefly describe the independent Native histories of diplomacy in north america, and how often, communities of animal life or bodies of water would be provided for as parties to treaties. treaties between tribes were not as confrontational in nature as colonial treaties are, and as such would often provide for overlapping tribal jurisdictions of land and in general sharing instead of exclusivity thru borders and citizenship. this gives context for existing treaties and how movements can use Native history to enforce a more expansive and liberatory program than the narrow ways in which settler states and courts view the treaties
bordertown violence — they talk a lot about how bordertowns (towns near/on the border of reservations with high Native and non-Native populations, often with non-Native being white oil or mine workers) are sites of increased policing, surveillance, cultural exploitation, and interpersonal settler violence against Native people. they connect it to the history of violence on the amerikan 'frontier,' and show how new pipelines and other extractive economic developments inherently bring bordertowns, and the accompanying rampant sexual, interpersonal, state, and cultural violence
no more suicides — "[high rates of Native suicide] is not an issue that can be fixed through better services or suicide-prevention campaigns. Studies show that suicide rates are lower in Native communities that have strong self-determination over land, education, health, and governance ... [we know what works:] restore dignity and Indigenous values. The only way this will happen is if everyone promotes decolonization, the return of Indigenous lands, and true self-determination for Indigenous people." (pg 93)
anti-imperialism — they beautifully connect how amerikan and canadian increases in oil production through fracking and new pipelines on Native land just drive down the price of oil which Indigenous-led socialist states like venezuela rely on to provide for their people. it also talks about how even under the current progressive plans to pivot to green energy, the capitalist and imperial foundations mean that places like bolivia and the democratic republic of the congo would be plundered for metals like lithium and cobalt to build new solar tech while seeing almost no benefit. they make the links between settler colonialism and imperialism very tangible and clear
enforcement of treaty rights — they briefly describe the independent Native histories of diplomacy in north america, and how often, communities of animal life or bodies of water would be provided for as parties to treaties. treaties between tribes were not as confrontational in nature as colonial treaties are, and as such would often provide for overlapping tribal jurisdictions of land and in general sharing instead of exclusivity thru borders and citizenship. this gives context for existing treaties and how movements can use Native history to enforce a more expansive and liberatory program than the narrow ways in which settler states and courts view the treaties
bordertown violence — they talk a lot about how bordertowns (towns near/on the border of reservations with high Native and non-Native populations, often with non-Native being white oil or mine workers) are sites of increased policing, surveillance, cultural exploitation, and interpersonal settler violence against Native people. they connect it to the history of violence on the amerikan 'frontier,' and show how new pipelines and other extractive economic developments inherently bring bordertowns, and the accompanying rampant sexual, interpersonal, state, and cultural violence
no more suicides — "[high rates of Native suicide] is not an issue that can be fixed through better services or suicide-prevention campaigns. Studies show that suicide rates are lower in Native communities that have strong self-determination over land, education, health, and governance ... [we know what works:] restore dignity and Indigenous values. The only way this will happen is if everyone promotes decolonization, the return of Indigenous lands, and true self-determination for Indigenous people." (pg 93)
grahamcifelli's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best and most relevant books I've read all year, I don't know how to review this but all I can say is that it inspired me in a way unlike anything else
zachcarter's review against another edition
4.0
A great and accessible introduction to the principles of decolonization and how it relates to the crucial and urgent task of saving the planet. This wasn't an abstract theory about climate change--they gave very specific and important policies and actions that we have to take, relying on centuries of indigenous knowledge, relations to the earth, and opposition to capitalism and imperialism. I wish there was more in the last section, Heal our Planet, because it was the most clear connection between the need for decolonization and combatting climate change, but it was the smallest of the three sections. Otherwise a very valuable, short book that I recommend everyone buy and pass around their communities.
emisati's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
5.0
I want everyone to read this book! Brave and thorough to publicly list tangible solutions to ongoing problems, I love these inspired ideas and discussions of how to put them into practice.
jollene07's review against another edition
5.0
“This is a movement-document that comes from the humble people of the Earth.” — What a phenomenal text that agitates, easily communicates complex anti-capitalist theories, offers real-life organizing solutions, and is clearly written to bring more people into the movement. Every organizer should read this book.
lorayne's review against another edition
5.0
Read this book NOW, then go out and work to change the world! This is the best plan I’ve read so far with added context, rationale, and explanation for us to dismantle the current exploitative systems we live under. It provides us with the necessary recommendations to make the change happen. It’s just a matter of us following through after we’re done reading the book.
anniemackillican's review against another edition
5.0
This was a super quick read but mostly because I’m obsessed with it.
This book is a perfect example of how theory can be used an applied to tangible grassroots movements and how academic writing does not need to be full of jargon and inaccessible to the reader. Broadly leftist work is only valuable if it seeks to serve the community, and this book does just that.
The Red Deal presents us with a problem; that we as human beings face either total extinction in the next 30 years, or else we must decolonize and put an end to US imperialism. What follows is 150 pages outlining exactly what needs to happen in order for us to save the planet and save ourselves.
The Red Deal frames every social issue as a climate issue; prison abolition, housing justice, food sovereignty, and more. By framing these discussions in the context of climate destruction, it places the responsibility on all of us, not just the marginalized communities who bear the brunt of the effects.
This is a fantastic read that I seriously recommend to everyone, whether you are a science person, a community organizer, or just someone who likes to read. I would teach a class on this book. That’s how important I feel it is.
But of course, it’s only as important as the movements that follow this book. Channel your energy into supporting decolonizing efforts, and put the theory to work.
This book is a perfect example of how theory can be used an applied to tangible grassroots movements and how academic writing does not need to be full of jargon and inaccessible to the reader. Broadly leftist work is only valuable if it seeks to serve the community, and this book does just that.
The Red Deal presents us with a problem; that we as human beings face either total extinction in the next 30 years, or else we must decolonize and put an end to US imperialism. What follows is 150 pages outlining exactly what needs to happen in order for us to save the planet and save ourselves.
The Red Deal frames every social issue as a climate issue; prison abolition, housing justice, food sovereignty, and more. By framing these discussions in the context of climate destruction, it places the responsibility on all of us, not just the marginalized communities who bear the brunt of the effects.
This is a fantastic read that I seriously recommend to everyone, whether you are a science person, a community organizer, or just someone who likes to read. I would teach a class on this book. That’s how important I feel it is.
But of course, it’s only as important as the movements that follow this book. Channel your energy into supporting decolonizing efforts, and put the theory to work.
benrogerswpg's review
4.0
This was a good read.
A good mix of activism, environment, and social justice.
Would recommend for those interested in reading about important topics.
A powerful Indigenous book.
3.8/5
A good mix of activism, environment, and social justice.
Would recommend for those interested in reading about important topics.
A powerful Indigenous book.
3.8/5