Damon B. Akins

An exploration of the history of California through the perspective and experience of its native inhabitants.

The narrative throughout centers native Californians: their understanding of their origins; their experiences of encounters with Europeans and explanations of their behavior compared to how it was seen by the Europeans; the missions, Mexican rule, the Gold Rush, and the work toward marginalization; the attempt to recover land and to maintain integrity as native Californians.

The story is powerful because of its perspective and very helpful. Understanding why the native Californians responded as they did to Europeans was quite insightful and does well at showing the distance between what Europeans perceived versus what the natives were actually about.

We have finally reached the point of understanding that there is great wisdom and insight from Native people and their traditions. Very worthwhile.… (meer)