Distinguished Professor Charles Wilkinson of the University of Colorado at Boulder chronicles the dynamic rebirth of Native American society and culture in a new and highly praised book, "Blood Struggle: The Rise of Modern Indian Nations."
Wilkinson, a renowned scholar of American Indian law and the Moses Lasky Professor of Law and one of only 23 professors to hold the title of distinguished professor on the Boulder campus, is the author of 12 previous books including "The Eagle Bird: Mapping a New West" and "Fire on the Plateau: Conflict and Endurance in the American Southwest."
"Blood Struggle" is a story of Indian tribes taking control of reservations and, ultimately, controlling their destiny and place in American society. Wilkinson describes how American Indians fought to preserve their traditions and to assert their rights since the early 1950s, the all-time low point of tribal existence in America.
In 1953, Congress passed the termination law, which called for the sell-off of all tribal lands, withdrawal of federal support and complete assimilation.
"But the threat of ending the Indian way of life somehow caused Indians around the country to make a stand and fight back," emphasized Wilkinson. "And fight back they did."
Over the past two generations, tribes responded with a stirring revival that has re-established tribal governments and has improved economic and social conditions on the reservations. Wilkinson recounts the extraordinary efforts of tribal leaders including Vine Deloria Jr., Ada Deer, Wilma Mankiller, Leonard Burch and others.
"They always felt a need for self-determination and they won it," noted Wilkinson. "Now they have substantial governments with government workers, courts, police, tax, zoning and natural resource agencies along with hospitals, Indian doctors, schools and Indian colleges."
"Indian country is flourishing today," noted Wilkinson.
U.S. Sen. John McCain called the book "an American classic" and "essential reading for public officials and anyone else who wants to understand the history and nature of relationships between the United States and Indian tribes." Deloria, a prominent author and former CU-Boulder professor, said "Blood Struggle" is "THE BOOK -- we will not need another one on this topic."
Wilkinson will read from his book on March 16 at 7 p.m. in the Boulder Public Library Auditorium at 1000 Canyon Blvd. The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the CU-Boulder Center of the American West, the Boulder Public Library Foundation and the Native American Rights Fund of Boulder.
A reception and book signing will follow the event. Books also will be available for sale.
For more information on the March 16 event call (303) 492-4879 or visit .