By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land

Author: Rebecca Nagle
Length: 352 pages
Publication Date: First published September 10, 2024

Book Summary: By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land

A compelling exploration of American history and journalism, this work intertwines the narrative of the forced displacement of Native Americans during the nation’s formative years with a 1990s murder in a small town, which ultimately resulted in a Supreme Court decision that reaffirmed Native rights to ancestral lands over a century later.
Prior to 2020, American Indian reservations encompassed approximately 55 million acres across the United States. In stark contrast, nearly 200 million acres were allocated for National Forests, highlighting a troubling reality: the government designated more land for timber than for the Indigenous peoples of this nation.
In the 1830s, the Muscogee tribe faced brutal removal by the United States military, forced to relocate thousands of miles from their ancestral home under duress. They were assured that this new territory would be theirs indefinitely, a promise that was ultimately broken. With the establishment of Oklahoma, the state declared the Muscogee reservation nonexistent. Fast forward over a century, and a Muscogee individual was sentenced to death for a homicide committed on tribal land. His legal team contended that the crime occurred within the bounds of their reservation, thereby placing jurisdiction outside the state’s purview. However, Oklahoma maintained that the reservation had been dissolved. In the summer of 2020, the Supreme Court resolved this critical issue, ruling in favor of the existence of multiple reservations that encompass nearly half of Oklahoma’s land, including the Cherokee Nation, to which the defendant belonged.
In By the Fire We Carry, Rebecca Nagle chronicles the enduring struggle for tribal sovereignty and land rights in eastern Oklahoma. By examining both the ongoing legal battles and the historical acts of Indigenous resistance, this work serves as a significant contribution to American historical discourse. It highlights the injustices faced by Native communities and the relentless pursuit of justice that continues to shape the nation.

Download in PDF or Audible Format: By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land

The book By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land by Rebecca Nagle is now available for download in PDF format. Additionally, you can listen for free on Audible via Amazon. Take this opportunity to engage with an important narrative about justice on Native land. Download or listen today!

What readers are saying about By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land

In reading By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land, one can’t help but feel a deep sense of respect for the resilience and determination of Indigenous communities. The book sheds light on a critical and often overlooked aspect of American history, exploring the struggles and triumphs faced by Native peoples in their quest for justice and recognition.

The author has a remarkable ability to weave personal stories with historical context, making the narrative both engaging and enlightening. It’s evident that a lot of care went into researching the events and experiences that shape the ongoing fight for rights and land. The emotional weight of the stories shared is palpable, and readers are likely to come away with a greater understanding of the complexities involved.

Moreover, the book’s compelling prose and thoughtful insights encourage reflection on broader themes of justice, identity, and the importance of cultural heritage. Overall, By the Fire We Carry is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Native communities, and its impact resonates long after the last page is turned. It’s a necessary read for anyone interested in social justice, history, or the enduring legacies of colonization. The commitment to authenticity and the powerful narratives presented make this book a significant contribution to contemporary discussions on justice for Indigenous peoples.