Speaking of Indigenous Politics

FEATURING J. KĒHAULANI KAUANUI – The leadership of many of progressive movements for justice over the past several years has been dominated by indigenous activists, from the Standing Rock confrontation over the Dakota Access Pipeline, to Climate Justice marches at the United Nations, and the movement to protect Bears Ears National Monument in Utah.

But that is no coincidence, given the hard work being done in indigenous communities for years that often goes unreported and that has laid the groundwork for high-profile actions.

Now an academic who has studied indigenous movements for years, and has hosted a radio show featuring many native leaders, has compiled a book exploring their powerful activism.

J. Kēhaulani Kauanui, Professor of American Studies and Anthropology, Director of the Center for the Americas, and chair of the American Studies Department at Wesleyan University. She is also the editor of the new book Speaking of Indigenous Politics: Conversations With Activists, Scholars, and Tribal Leaders.