Urban American Indians

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This resource is invaluable for contemporary American Indians and those studying community and ethnicity, challenging the stereotype that all American Indians reside on reservations and face similar issues. It highlights a dynamic model of community formation among city-dwelling American Indians, who are integral to the ethnic history of American cities in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as to the ancient history of American Indians. Over three-quarters of American Indians now live in urban areas, largely due to the federal government's Termination and Relocation policies in the 1950s, which aimed to dissolve tribal legal status, alongside the pursuit of better employment, housing, and educational opportunities. The text documents the existence of ancient urban Indian civilizations in North America and transitions to contemporary urban American Indian communities, detailing their lifestyles and organizations. It focuses on modern experiences, urban Indian identity, and community relationships, linking historical urban civilizations with today’s activism. Readers will gain a comprehensive understanding of both ancient and current urban Indian communities, recognizing the distinctions and connections between reservation and urban experiences, and appreciating the significant role urban settings play in shaping ethnic identities.