Product Description

This is actually a collection of position papers originally delivered at the conference on "Discrimination Against the Indigenous Populations of the Americas" hosted by the Non-Governmental Organizations of the United Nations in Geneva in 1977. These papers present a compelling critique of Western Culture and an eloquent text on the rights of Indigenous nations. New material by John Mohawk, Chief Oren Lyons, and José Barreiro give background information on the events leading up to this meeting, a historical perspective on the struggle for self-determination by Indgenous peoples, and a look to a new era of possibility for Native nations. Not many books portray the heart and courage of so many people in one volume.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #445427 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

About the Author
Sotsisowah, John Mohawk, a scholar, authored the position papers presented at the UN and writes the foreword in this new edition. Jose Barrerio, who wrote the afterword in this edition, was a long time editor at Akwesasne Notes, is editor at Indian Country today, and the author of The Indian Chronicles. Chief Oren Lyons is a traditional Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan, a member of the Nation Council of Chiefs of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, and a principal figure in the Traditional Circle of Indian Elders. He has authored numerous books including Voice of Indigenous Peoples and is a Professor of American Studies at the State University of New York, Buffalo.

Customer Reviews

return to sanity
This book is not just a book, it represents a call for the world to return to sanity and life. everyone must read this, must examine their conscience and decide how much they value life, nature, and the dignity of every human being. we cannot afford to keep moving toward the precipice of total destruction. a wise man once said that if one loses his way and is on a wrong path, turning back is progress. we must turn back, turn away from a path of death and devestation and untold human suffering to a path which embraces wholeness, wellness, and recognition of our connectedness to all living beings. this goes beyond any previous dichotomies be they political, religious or cultural. it is a question now of life or death. if we die, if we destroy life on earth, then what hope have we of transformation? in order to change and grow we must first survive, and survival depends upon the immediate cessation of the wholesale destruction of this Earth that is now going on...Indigenous Peoples of the world have the knowledge of life and sustainability. They are the Original Human Beings, and they represent our collective Humanity. the future is in their hands. modern man is totally insane and the path of western civilization has brought us to the edge of extinction. in order to heal we must first recognize in what peril we have placed ourselves. Indigenous Peoples would be justified in denying us their teachings, for we have violated everything that the Creator has given us to hold sacred. i beg Native American communities and Indigenous communities worldwide to forgive us and to share their Way of Living that we all might have a chance to survive. we have only our own lies and selfishness and corruption and the total sum of our injustices, to lose. we have a world out of balance to restore. join the forces of life, sustainability, connectedness, and respect. you are not really happy anyway. examine yourselves and see the sickness rotting away at your soul. break your hearts of stone and let them be turned to hearts of flesh, hearts which feel, hearts which can be truly human. this is my plea.

A good way to understand the plea of native nations.
The plea of the Hau de no sau nee Nations to the UN in 1977 that exposes the oppression of natives by civilization. The tone is amazingly candid, true, and determined. A good read despite poor editing.

Longhouse Manifesto
This collection of position papers from the Haudenosaunee does a lot more than outline the values and traditions of the People of the Longhouse. It comprises an historical assay of Western Civilization and a political manifesto for all people who would choose to end the legacy of colonialism. An ancient nation that has existed in peace in prosperity without recourse to laws and jails, the Haudenosaunee were the first to establish a league of "United Nations" to ensure peace, harmony and respect among disparate groups of people. Incidentally, it was their pact, the Iroquois Confederacy, which inspired the government of the United States of America. Of particular notice in this collection was the last paper, "A Basic Call to Consciousness," which succinctly outlines the original instructions given to the Haudenosaunee by the Creator of Life; the destructive processes which are eradicating their way of life and most life on the planet; and lastly the Haudenosaunee strategy for survival. Absolutely essential for anyone who wishes to better understand and change the oppressive, exploitive, and destructive traditions which drive Western Civilization, I cannot over recommend this book.