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From a Native Son: Selected Essays on Indigenism 1985-95
Ward Churchill has emerged over the past decade as one of the strongest and most influential voices of native resistance in North America. From a Native Son collects his most important and unflinching essays, which explore the themes of
- GenresEssaysHistoryNonfiction
588 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1996
About the author
Ward Churchill
62 books125 followersWard Churchill (Keetowah Cherokee) has achieved an unparalleled reputation as a scholar-activist and analyst of indigenous issues. He was a Professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, from 1990 till 2007; a leading member of the American Indian Movement (AIM); and has been a delegate to the U.N. Working Group on Indigenous Populations. He is the author of numerous books, including A Little Matter of Genocide, Fantasies of the Master Race, and Struggle for the Land.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 4, 2020
I read most of these essays in other books over a decade ago, but I decided to give this a dutiful cover to cover read anyway. Now, as then, it is hard to find fault with Churchill’s central thesis of indigenism: that the world would be a better place for everyone if native people reclaimed control of their unceded territory (which is, by the way, roughly a third of this country according to both US and international law.)
October 5, 2008
Anthology of his writings from 1985-1995. He has an incisive and biting wit as he decontructs "plastic medicine men", "white studies", robert bly, films, books, and the U.S. government. On indeginism, he offers compelling arguments for the return of unceded Indian lands. You read now.
September 18, 2008
This controversial thinker/writer/professor/activist has fired from University of Colorado after an investigation revealing falsified sources, improper citation, and plagiarism in his research. I was very disappointed with this news, as I'd come to see him as an authoritative expert on the subject of Indigenism.
One might take into account that Churchill's post 9/11 essay, "On the Justice of Roosting Chickens" (not included in the book I am referring to here, and that I have not read) contained commentary that our government and various authority figures were none too pleased with. This may have contributed to the University's desire to distance from this "dissident".
The validity of Mr. Churchill's claimed heritage has also been called into question. Of course, the affects of widespread efforts to assimilate Native Americans into the great American "Melting Pot" have made it difficult for many to prove Native ancestry. Consider that in order to be recognized, by the American government, as Native you must be able to prove relations to an individual listed on one of a small number of "rolls" taken by, guess who, the American Government.
A thought provoking read, nonetheless.
One might take into account that Churchill's post 9/11 essay, "On the Justice of Roosting Chickens" (not included in the book I am referring to here, and that I have not read) contained commentary that our government and various authority figures were none too pleased with. This may have contributed to the University's desire to distance from this "dissident".
The validity of Mr. Churchill's claimed heritage has also been called into question. Of course, the affects of widespread efforts to assimilate Native Americans into the great American "Melting Pot" have made it difficult for many to prove Native ancestry. Consider that in order to be recognized, by the American government, as Native you must be able to prove relations to an individual listed on one of a small number of "rolls" taken by, guess who, the American Government.
A thought provoking read, nonetheless.
September 7, 2015
By and large this is a great collection of essays, covering the genocide of Indigenous peoples in the Americas, histories of land claims in the United States, representations of Indigenous peoples in settler film and literature etc., pedagogy, Marxism, etc.
There are some problems however. One example is that he approvingly cites The Sacred Hoop: Recovering the Feminine in American Indian Traditions as "good, if somewhat overstated" in "Since Predator Came" (pg. 32) but calls it "absurd" and playing into the hands of "white radical feminists" in "Indians 'R' Us?" (pg. 407). Which is it? Some of his claims are a bit suspect as well. For example, he asserts that the Greeks learned about dialectics from the Egyptians, who learned it from people living in what is now Ethiopia (pg. 462). This is not cited and I can find no information on it. He also very much misrepresents Marx's labour theory of value (pg. 467-8). These and other issues might point to larger problems with Churchill's work here, which makes me a bit hesitant to rate this highly, but I still think there are lots of important insights in these works.
There are some problems however. One example is that he approvingly cites The Sacred Hoop: Recovering the Feminine in American Indian Traditions as "good, if somewhat overstated" in "Since Predator Came" (pg. 32) but calls it "absurd" and playing into the hands of "white radical feminists" in "Indians 'R' Us?" (pg. 407). Which is it? Some of his claims are a bit suspect as well. For example, he asserts that the Greeks learned about dialectics from the Egyptians, who learned it from people living in what is now Ethiopia (pg. 462). This is not cited and I can find no information on it. He also very much misrepresents Marx's labour theory of value (pg. 467-8). These and other issues might point to larger problems with Churchill's work here, which makes me a bit hesitant to rate this highly, but I still think there are lots of important insights in these works.
June 3, 2023
"Ward Churchill: From a Native Son" is a truly exceptional collection of essays that celebrates the life and work of an extraordinary American Indian activist and scholar. The book is a true testament to Churchill's legacy and his unwavering commitment to advocating for American Indian rights and sovereignty.
What makes this book so remarkable is the depth and breadth of the perspectives it offers. The authors come from a wide range of academic disciplines and backgrounds, and each brings their own unique insights and experiences to the discussion. This diversity of perspectives creates a rich and multifaceted portrait of Churchill's life and legacy that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
The essays themselves are beautifully written and deeply insightful. The authors offer a nuanced and complex analysis of Churchill's contributions to American Indian activism and scholarship, highlighting both his strengths and his shortcomings. The result is a book that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally moving.
One of the most impressive aspects of this book is its willingness to engage with the controversies surrounding Churchill's work. The authors do not shy away from addressing the criticisms that have been leveled against Churchill's scholarship and activism, but they do so in a way that is thoughtful, nuanced, and respectful. This is a true testament to the intellectual integrity of the authors and their commitment to engaging in honest and open dialogue.
Overall, "Ward Churchill: From a Native Son" is an exceptional book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in American Indian rights and sovereignty, as well as to anyone who is interested in the intersection of activism, scholarship, and politics. It is a true masterpiece of intellectual and emotional depth, and it is a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable individual.
What makes this book so remarkable is the depth and breadth of the perspectives it offers. The authors come from a wide range of academic disciplines and backgrounds, and each brings their own unique insights and experiences to the discussion. This diversity of perspectives creates a rich and multifaceted portrait of Churchill's life and legacy that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
The essays themselves are beautifully written and deeply insightful. The authors offer a nuanced and complex analysis of Churchill's contributions to American Indian activism and scholarship, highlighting both his strengths and his shortcomings. The result is a book that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally moving.
One of the most impressive aspects of this book is its willingness to engage with the controversies surrounding Churchill's work. The authors do not shy away from addressing the criticisms that have been leveled against Churchill's scholarship and activism, but they do so in a way that is thoughtful, nuanced, and respectful. This is a true testament to the intellectual integrity of the authors and their commitment to engaging in honest and open dialogue.
Overall, "Ward Churchill: From a Native Son" is an exceptional book that will appeal to anyone who is interested in American Indian rights and sovereignty, as well as to anyone who is interested in the intersection of activism, scholarship, and politics. It is a true masterpiece of intellectual and emotional depth, and it is a fitting tribute to a truly remarkable individual.
June 7, 2008
Rather poor and made pathetic by the fact that Churchill is as much a member of the First Nations as I am.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews