Native American History: 20,000 Years

This comprehensive narrative, described as "flowing, lucid, and satisfying" by The Washington Post, traces the history of North American Indigenous peoples from the Pleistocene era to the present. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a broader perspective not only on Native American history, but on the history of the United States as a whole.

Today, the United States is home to approximately two million American Indians, a population that represents less than one percent of the nation's total. However, the origins of these Indigenous peoples have long been viewed through the lens of the Europeans who "discovered" the New World over 500 years ago. The true story of the American Indians, however, began some seventeen thousand years ago.

Recent archaeological findings, newly discovered written accounts, and previously unpublished records have contributed to a whole new understanding of the country's oldest ancestors. Drawing upon the latest research, as well as his own personal experience living among the Hopi tribes, acclaimed author and former Natural History magazine editor Jake Page covers all aspects of Indian life throughout the ages.

From the Pleistocene era to Custer's Last Stand, the Trail of Tears to the Indian Civil Rights Act, and the establishment of reservations to the negotiation of casino property, In the Hands of the Great Spirit reveals the astonishing endurance of a group of people whose experience is as varied as the world is old.

The book's sweeping narrative challenges the traditional perspective that has long dominated the portrayal of Native American history. By placing the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous peoples at the forefront, the author offers readers a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the pivotal role they have played in shaping the history of North America.

Throughout the book, Page delves into the rich cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and complex sociopolitical structures that have defined the lives of American Indians for millennia. From their sophisticated agricultural practices and intricate systems of governance to their profound connection to the natural world, the book illuminates the remarkable resilience and adaptability of these diverse nations.

Particularly poignant are the chapters that explore the devastating impact of European colonization and the relentless campaign of displacement, assimilation, and cultural suppression that followed. The author meticulously documents the tragedies of events like the Trail of Tears, the Indian Removal Act, and the Indian Boarding School system, while also highlighting the unwavering resistance and resilience of Indigenous communities in the face of these profound challenges.

Ultimately, In the Hands of the Great Spirit serves as a powerful corrective to the often-distorted narratives that have long dominated the historical understanding of Native American peoples. By centering their perspectives and experiences, the book offers readers a more nuanced and comprehensive portrait of the enduring legacy of these remarkable cultures, and the vital role they continue to play in the ongoing story of the United States.

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