"Iroquois on Fire presents an extraordinary description of the struggles, conflict and determination of traditional people to maintain the oldest democracies on this land now called America. The author is a journalist whose life has been personally impacted by some of the conflicts described in the book. Therefore, he offers a remarkable account of contemporary Iroquois issues from his first hand experience." -- Wilma Mankiller, former Chief, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma "Iroquois on Fire is a profound and courageous work... In this book, the author has set the stage for those with the courage and honor to no longer be passive observers or victims, but instead to take the stage and write the future. I recommend this book to all who can read." -- Leslie Lo Baugh, Christensen, Miller, Fink, Jacobs, Glaser, Weil & Shapiro, LLP "One of the most arresting assertions that has recently come my way is, 'tell the truth and justice will take care of itself.' That points directly to the importance of this book. The egregious injustices Native Americans have suffered are obvious to everyone who has looked into the matter, and they have been fueled by distortions of history. Douglas George-Kanentiio's meticulously researched book is the most formidable effort to set the record straight that I have seen. I fervently hope every library in this land will stock it and that thousands will add it to their private libraries." -- Huston Smith, Thomas J. Watson Professor of Religion and Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, Syracuse University, Author, World's Religions
Douglas M. George-Kanentiio was born and raised on the shores of the Kaniatarowanenneh (St. Lawrence) River on the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. An award-winning writer and journalist, he has served the Mohawk Nation in numerous capacities, including as a land claims negotiator, a co-founder of Radio CKON, and the editor of the news journal Akwesasne Notes. He is the author of the books Iroquois Culture and Commentary and Skywoman: Tales of the Iroquois. From 1996 to 2002, he was a member of the Board of Trustees for the National Museum of the American Indian. He once had the honor of bearing the Olympic torch. He resides on Oneida Territory with his wife, the singer Joanne Shenandoah.
George-Kanentiio, a Mohawk journalist, tells from firsthand
experience what forces have conspired to pull the Iroquois apart as
a culture, a confederacy, and within each component nation.
Christianity and the hegemonic policies of the US and Canada are to
blame, but also the greed of Iroquois individuals. Rather than
heeding the Code of Handsome Lake, developed in the 1800s, or the
modern wisdom of Ray Fadden, some Iroquois in the 1980s sought
personal wealth and local autonomy through gambling operations….In
1990, when Mohawks, including the author and his relatives at
Akwesasne, tried to stop casinos in their territory,
self-proclaimed warriors met them with violence, to which they
responded in kind. Two men died. The author was accused and
acquitted in one count of second-degree murder. The book's warning
is heartfelt and compelling. Highly recommended. General and
undergraduate collections.
*Choice*
In well-crafted chapters George-Kanentiio traces the history of
Akwesasne from when the Mohawks were independent, free-spirited
peoples to the present community torn apart by internecine conflict
and seriously affected by environmental degradation. He is
especially effective in explaining how the Mohawks were
dispossessed after the American Revolution.
*American Indian Quarterly*
[W]ill learn about Native Americans and their issues and gain new
perspectives on the history of the Americas' first human
inhabitants. Iroquois on Fire: A Voice from the Mohawk Nation
explores details of the Iroquois multibillion-dollar land claims
against the state of New York. The story is written from an
Iroquois perspective by a man who is a member of the Mohawk Nation.
George-Kanentho is actively involved in tribal affairs and
dedicated to preserving the traditions of his people. He uses
aspects of his personal story to highlight issues of public
interest, such as the land, family and community, geography,
federal interference in tribal affairs, religion, political
activism, land use/claims and connections to organized crime.
*Multicultural Review*
[A] disturbing book that will cause a stir….Former Cherokee Nation
Chief Wilma Mankiller calls Iroquois on Fire an extraordinary
description of the struggles, conflict and determination of
traditional people….If you are interested in contemporary issues
among Native Americans, this book gives them to you, intimately and
with passion.
*Connecticut Post Online*
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