On Their Shoulders

The National Congress of American Indians, Thomas W. Cowger’s history of the organization’s first twenty years (1944-1964), is a thoughtful, articulate and informative account of one of the brightest members of the Native American intertribal constellation. For anyone curious about how the federal–Indian relationship has evolved over the last century and a half, this book is essential reading.

If for no other reason, it gives one an appreciation of the sacrifices made by earlier generations in order for ours to continue the struggle for human dignity in North America. As a bonus, it also provides valuable lessons of practical politics in dealing with dominant society institutions.