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By Anton Treuer
Real History of Christopher Columbus
History of Indigenous People Before 1492
In matter-of-fact language, Dr. Anton Treuer, an Ojibwe scholar and cultural preservationist, gives a frank, funny, and sometimes personal tour of what's up with Indians, anyway. Most Americans have grown up knowing next to nothing about the 500+ tribal nations that were already here when Columbus arrived. We have little idea about their ways of life, their histories, and their current status. We rarely even think about them. And when we do, the picture we see is often distorted by murky images of casinos, feather headdresses, and tomahawks. In this adaptation of his award-winning book for adults, Dr. Treuer gives us a fascinating glimpse into tribal America today. He covers everything from the more common (How come no one lives in tipis anymore?) to the more personal (Why is there no Native Appropriation Appreciation Day?) to the more political (Why is it called a "massacre" when Indians are killed and a "battle" when Europeans are killed?). Dr. Treuer's answers are always candid, often revelatory, and consistently grounded in deep research and lived experience. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the people who were here first.
From the acclaimed Ojibwe author and professor Anton Treuer comes an essential book of questions and answers for Native and non-Native young readers alike. Ranging from "Why is there such a fuss about nonnative people wearing Indian costumes for Halloween?" to "Why is it called a 'traditional Indian fry bread taco'?" to "What's it like for natives who don't look native?" to "Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?", and beyond, Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask (Young Readers Edition) does exactly what its title says for young readers, in a style consistently thoughtful, personal, and engaging.
Updated and expanded to include:
• Dozens of New Questions and New Sections—including a social activism section that explores the Dakota Access Pipeline, racism, identity, politics, and more!
• Over 50 new Photos
• Adapted text for broad appeal