Exiled in the Land of the Free: Democracy, Indian Nations, and the U.S. Constitution - Hardcover

Lyons Et Al, Oren; Grinde, Donald A.; Berkey, Curtis

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0940666154 ISBN 13: 9780940666153

Publisher: Clear Light Pub, 1992

Synopsis

"Now available as a paperback, it has become an indispensable work in any discussion on the influences on the framers of the Constitution". (Harvard Review -- paperbacks)

"These impressive essays by eight Native American leaders and scholars present persuasive evidence that the American colonists and U.S. founding fathers borrowed from the Iroquois Confederacy and other Indian political institutions in drafting the U.S. Constitution and in creating democratic traditions ... a timely, forceful book". (Publishers Weekly)

"The authors make a compelling case for the existence of an Indian civilization of participatory democracy rich in its respect for individual human dignity, yet steeped in values of community.... One thing is clear. The American conscience cannot rest easy when the plight of the Indians is not in our consciousness". (New York Times)

"This is a finely tuned chorus of articulate as well as academically recognized native voices, and their work is persuasive". (St. Louis Post Dispatch)

"An important and great book". (Library Journal) "Underlying all Indian claims for our attention, and all the arguments in this fine book, is the issue of Indian sovereignty.... Since the Indian peoples are legally (and in common justice) entitled to far more land than they are asking for, why not return to them the dignity of sovereignty as well?" (Peter Matthiessen)

This groundbreaking work, which was written into the Congressional Record, has major implications for future relations between Indian tribes and the governments of the United States and other nations. It presents the strongest case ever made for Native American sovereignty.

About this title

Review:

The authors make a compelling case for the existence of an Indian civilization of participatory democracy rich in its respect for individual human dignity, yet steeped in values of community. . . . One thing is clear. The American conscience cannot rest easy when the plight of the Indians is not in our consciousness. --New York Times

These impressive essays by eight Native American leaders and scholars present persuasive evidence that the American colonists and U.S. founding fathers borrowed from the Iroquois Confederacy and other Indian political institutions in drafting the U.S. Constitution and in creating democratic traditions. In his majestic opening essay, Lyons, an Onondaga chief and professor of American studies at the State University of New York, recounts the European invasion through Native American eyes. Vine Deloria Jr. examines how the Constitution and various branches of the federal government systematically work to deprive Native Americans of their rights and land. Calling for Indian self-determination, Laurence Hauptman looks at current tribal problems in light of two centuries of congressional intrusion. A major theme of this timely, forceful book is the Native American demand for sovereign rights as a legal basis for fair and reasonable claims on certain public lands. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Publishers Weekly

A major purpose of this collection of eight substantial essays is to help readers gain an understanding of American Indian contributions to the West's democratic traditions and to realize that ideas of American Indian origin . . . are part of the synthesis that led to the United States Constitution. That the Founding Fathers were philosophically and culturally influenced by the Indian nations is explained thoroughly--to any doubter's or disbeliever's satisfaction. One entire chapter is devoted to Iroquois political philosophy, revealing that the oldest continuously functioning democratic constitution is the Iroquois Confederacy. United States congressional intrusions and manipulations fill one entire chapter. Truly an important and great book, this should be acquired by all public and academic libraries and some special libraries. An effective antidote for the Columbus quincentenary hoopla.
- Katherine Dahl, Western Illinois Univ., Macomb
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --Library Journal

From Publishers Weekly:

These impressive essays by eight Native American leaders and scholars present persuasive evidence that the American colonists and U.S. founding fathers borrowed from the Iroquois Confederacy and other Indian political institutions in drafting the U.S. Constitution and in creating democratic traditions. In his majestic opening essay, Lyons, an Onondaga chief and professor of American studies at the State University of New York, recounts the European invasion through Native American eyes. Vine Deloria Jr. examines how the Constitution and various branches of the federal government systematically work to deprive Native Americans of their rights and land. Calling for Indian self-determination, Laurence Hauptman looks at current tribal problems in light of two centuries of congressional intrusion. A major theme of this timely, forceful book is the Native American demand for sovereign rights as a legal basis for fair and reasonable claims on certain public lands. Illustrations not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Clear Light Pub
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0940666154
• ISBN 13: 9780940666153
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 414