Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide

In this examination of sexual violence used as tool of patriarchy and colonialism in Native American Indian communities, both historically and presently, Andrea Smith leaves no stone unturned. She spares neither governments for their racist and harmful policies regarding indigenous peoples and the lands they live on, nor feminists and activists for their sometimes racist views and short-sightedness in their zeal to promote and protect their own respective interests. This is a rare treat to have such a carefully researched analysis made accessible in this book, from an academic and activist who is herself a Native American Indian. Her thorough analysis of Native American Indian women being adversely affected by government policies still tainted by colonialist mentality--such as through nuclear testing on or near Native American Indian reservations by our government, or being used as guinea pigs by pharmaceutical companies testing new drugs, sends one, very clear message: Native American Indians are considered expendable by our government. Reproductive health problems, babies born with health problems, and poor access to health care (often substandard) are only a few issues these women pay dearly for as a result of unfair governmental policies. The police brutality occuring on reservations, or against Native American Indians in general living outside their communities that she researched,is unspeakable. And heartbreaking. It is a shame to have to realize these abuses are happening in the 21st century. Smith also brings to light the attitudes of other governments, such as Canada and Peru (as well as NATO) toward their own indigenous people: the prevailing consensus is that they are all expendable. Ravish them, sterilize them, use them as subjects without informed consent in medical experiments and new drug testing, rape their land for others' profit, assimilate their children into mainstream society to civilize them by removing them from their families and into boarding schools, take away their rights and dignity, imitate aspects of their culture in the form of New Age spiritualism--or pornography, to save it from extinction...will anyone really notice? She balances the unpleasant facts with thoughtful suggestions to solve, or at least alleviate, the many abuses and iniquities that the Native American Indian community has suffered for so long. And she provides a resource guide at the end of her book. This book was at times uncomfortable to read due to the nature of the subject: sexual violence and the injustices inflicted upon Native American women, and their kin in general. But overall, I was excited to read this for its historical, academic, activist, and feminist perspectives; my knowledge of Native American Indians had been stale since before the end of my high school years. Highly recommended!

This is an extremely informative book; all those dreadful (and politicized) things one hears about the abuse of indigenous peoples' sexuality -- it's even worse than that, and this this book is an articulation of all that. A must-read for those who are interested in correcting the ills of history and the present, in order to be achieving a wholesome society for everyone.

Smith delivers a searing critique of mainstream feminism on behalf of one of the world's most oppressed peoples.

Smith's groundbreaking book should be required reading for all rape crisis advocates in North America. Not only does she provide a scholarly examination of the link between colonial genocide and sexual violence, Smith also provides context for contemporary activism and solutions. Forget everything you thought you knew about rape and sexual abuse and be prepared to re-think what it means to be a feminist and advocate. Smith's eloquence and thoughtfulness make reading this text an ideal starting point for dialogue in both academia and grassroots organizations. You will learn about how historical events continue to have an impact today and how the mainstream (white) rape crisis movement has fallen short of providing comprehensive analysis of sexual violence.

This book is outstanding! Ms. Smith presents a clear and cogent treatise of the problems Native Americans have which were created by the Colonizers. Within a few pages you come to the realization that your knowledge of Native Americans is below average at best. I am African and not only was I able to relate to her because of the obvious similarities of our predicaments but I was also extremely impressed by Ms. Smith's knowledge of Black History and the subsequent connections she was able to make pertaining to our struggles. After reading this book you'll see that the best way to assist not only Native Americans but all Ethnic Groups is to first listen...I mean really listen.