Conquest: Sexual Violence and American Indian Genocide

In this groundbreaking work, prominent Native American studies scholar and activist Andrea Smith skillfully unveils the intricate connections between various forms of violence, perpetrated by the state and society at large, and their profound impact on Native women. Beginning with the devastating consequences inflicted on Native American children through state-sanctioned boarding schools from the 1880s to the 1980s, Smith expertly broadens our understanding of violence to encompass the widespread appropriation of Native cultural practices by whites and other non-Natives, environmental racism, and population control.

With unwavering clarity, Smith adeptly links these and other examples of historical and contemporary colonialism to the staggering rates of violence experienced by Native American women, who are disproportionately affected by poverty-related illnesses and the trauma of rape and partner abuse. Smith's groundbreaking work not only sheds light on these critical issues but also outlines radical and innovative strategies for eliminating the scourge of gendered violence.

Delving into the legacy of state-sanctioned boarding schools, Smith exposes the harrowing abuse and neglect inflicted upon Native American children, who were forcibly removed from their families and communities and subjected to a relentless campaign of cultural assimilation. This systemic violence, designed to strip away their indigenous identities, has left a lasting and devastating impact on Native communities, contributing to the high rates of violence and trauma experienced by Native women.

Smith's comprehensive analysis extends beyond the confines of the boarding school system, examining the widespread appropriation of Native cultural practices by whites and other non-Natives. This process of cultural appropriation, often driven by a desire for exoticism and a lack of respect for the sacred significance of these practices, is itself a form of violence against Native peoples, eroding their cultural heritage and undermining their sense of identity and belonging.

Furthermore, Smith's work tackles the issue of environmental racism, highlighting how the disproportionate exposure of Native communities to toxic waste, pollution, and resource extraction has had a profound impact on the health and well-being of Native women. This intersectionality of oppressions, where environmental degradation compounds the challenges faced by Native women, is a crucial component of Smith's exploration of the multifaceted nature of violence.

Equally insightful is Smith's examination of population control policies that have targeted Native American communities, often through coercive or involuntary sterilization programs. This horrific practice, rooted in racist and eugenicist ideologies, has devastated the reproductive rights and autonomy of Native women, further compounding the violence and trauma they have endured.

Throughout her work, Smith deftly weaves these diverse examples of historical and contemporary colonialism, demonstrating how they are inextricably linked to the alarmingly high rates of violence experienced by Native American women. From poverty-related illnesses to the trauma of rape and partner abuse, Smith's analysis sheds light on the disproportionate burden borne by this marginalized community, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and transformative solutions.

Importantly, Smith does not simply expose these systemic injustices but also outlines radical and innovative strategies for eliminating the scourge of gendered violence. Her vision for a more equitable and just society empowers Native communities to reclaim their cultural practices, assert their sovereignty, and build resilient support systems that prioritize the safety and well-being of Native women.

In this groundbreaking text, Andrea Smith has made an invaluable contribution to the field of Native American studies and the broader struggle for social justice. By illuminating the interconnected nature of violence and its impact on Native women, she has laid the foundation for a more comprehensive and intersectional approach to addressing the deeply entrenched challenges faced by this resilient and vibrant community.

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