What Side Are You On?: A Tohono O'odham Life across Borders (Critical Indigeneities)

Wilson, Michael Steven; Lucero, José Antonio

ISBN 10: 1469675579 / ISBN 13: 9781469675572

Published by The University of North Carolina Press, 2024

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 398210880

Bibliographic Details

• Title: What Side Are You On?: A Tohono O'odham Life across Borders (Critical Indigeneities)
• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
• Publication Date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1469675579
• ISBN 13: 9781469675572
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Renowned human rights activist Michael “Mike” Wilson has borne witness to the profound human costs of poverty, racism, border policing, and the legacies of colonialism. From a childhood in the mining town of Ajo, Arizona, Wilson’s life journey led him to US military service in Central America, seminary education, and religious and human rights activism against the abuses of US immigration policies. With increased militarization of the US-Mexico border, migration across the Tohono O’odham Nation surged, as did migrant deaths and violent encounters between tribal citizens and US Border Patrol agents. When Wilson’s religious and ethical commitments led him to set up water stations for migrants on the Nation’s lands, it brought him into conflict not only with the US government but also with his own tribal and religious communities.

This richly textured and collaboratively written memoir brings Wilson’s experiences to life. Joining Wilson as coauthor, José Antonio Lucero adds political and historical context to Wilson’s personal narrative. Together they offer a highly original portrait of an O’odham life across borders that sheds light on the struggles and resilience of Native peoples across the Americas.

About the Authors

Michael Steven Wilson (Tohono O’odham) is a human rights activist, US military retiree, and film documentarian. He lives in Tucson, Arizona.

José Antonio Lucero is Chair and Professor of the Comparative History of Ideas Department at the University of Washington, Seattle and holds a joint appointment in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies.