On Tragedy and Triumph in Native America.

The article discusses two books, "Citizens of a Stolen Land" by Stephen Kantrowitz and "Seeing Red" by Michael John Witgen, focusing on the experiences of Native American tribes in the Old Northwest during the 19th century. Kantrowitz's book highlights the Ho-Chunk people's resilience and triumph in resisting displacement through diplomacy and adaptation to settler economies, while Witgen's book explores how Anishinaabe nations avoided removal by becoming essential to settler economies, despite being exploited. Both books shed light on the complexities of Native American history, emphasizing Indigenous agency and the structural forces of colonialism. The authors' regional perspectives and attention to specific places reject the narrative of Indigenous disappearance, connecting the past to the present and showcasing the ongoing survival and resilience of Native communities. [Extracted from the article]