A global history of indigenous peoples : struggle and survival /

This book is compelling for how it reveals consistent global patterns of European and non-European military, political, and economic expansion into territories of indigenous peoples and the often-catastrophic effects on indigenous cultures and ways of life. The bulk of the book is organized in chapters that systematically uncover the ways nation-states and their institutions assert dominance over, regulate the lives of, and sometimes attempt to exterminate indigenous peoples. But Coates (Univ. of Saskatchewan) does not relegate indigenous peoples to the role of passive victim: he also examines indigenous peoples' political and legal resistance and offers examples of cultural renewal. Of particular importance is his discussion of the international and domestic instruments--indigenous rights, treaties, international law--that structure relationships between nation-states and indigenous peoples. These instruments are fundamental to understanding the contemporary struggle and survival of indigenous peoples. Coates does not attempt to explore the cultural values, beliefs, and practices that inform that resistance and renewal, but this is a prudent choice because of the diversity and complexities of indigenous cultures. His work is a useful general overview that allows for some comparison of historical and current global relations among indigenous peoples and settler or newcomer societies. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. G. Bruyere Nicola Valley Institute of Technology