This was a hard read. Not because of the writing. Rebecca Nagle does a masterful job of telling the story and history of indigenous people in the US. This was hard to read because there is nothing that can be done to make this right. There’s a great deal of echoes to current events, mass deportation policies and acts, bribes, a legislative body twisting words to gain the upper hand. It is a hard read, but you need to read this. You need to see the stark lines that were drawn over and over again, in smaller boxes, smaller states, smaller areas to see the wrongs that were done to those that held this land before Columbus or any other colonizer graced these shores. This is history you need to know. 

It’s very clear that the Trail of Tears was monumental in the fight for indigenous land. But it’s far from the only. I had no idea what followed their removal. It was one hit after another, and blatant disregard not only for laws and treaties that were in effect, it was also unabashed, naked greed. Nagle details the huge step forward that happened in 2020, but it’s a long way from being where they should be. It’s heartbreaking to realize the loss these nations have suffered. Do yourself a favor, read this and absorb it. It’s not happy, it’s necessary for us to move forward.