Title | : | Native Acts: Law, Recognition, and Cultural Authenticity |
Author | : | |
Rating | : | |
ISBN | : | 0822348519 |
ISBN-10 | : | 9780822348511 |
Language | : | English |
Format Type | : | Paperback |
Number of Pages | : | 296 |
Publication | : | First published January 1, 2011 |
Native Acts: Law, Recognition, and Cultural Authenticity Reviews
-
Joanne Barker’s compelling text is an historical analysis bounded by case studies that analyze the social, legal, and cultural themes of Native authenticity. Barker breaks from federal recognition in relation to Native nations to individual recognition and membership between the individual and their tribes. Barker highlights the long-standing concept of “what it means to be Native” by linking cultural definitions of Native authenticity to tribal citizenship. Barker argues that these traditional practices are nothing but disingenuous concepts derived from non-native western concepts that privilege patriarchy and racialization. She also examines the relation between tradition and Native governance. She examines the initiatives of Cherokee and Navajo governments in their ruling against gay marriage as a means of rationalizing on the grounds that same-sex marriage rights go against traditional practices of the tribes, only asserting how much colonial practices and western concepts have influenced Native American tradition and culture. This text is an important analysis of Native authenticity that in my opinion many Native people need to read. Native identity, authenticity, and recognition are often discussed in Native realms from a cultural perspective with the belief that cultural and linguistic knowledge are important characteristics of being Native; however, many don’t realize how much our Native communities are influenced by colonial practices. Joanne Barker’s Native Acts brings this issue to life by acknowledging the complexity of tribal recognition from different perspectives.
-
323.1197 B2555 2011