Akwesasne Notes, ed. Basic Call to Consciousness.

AKWESASNE NOTES, ed. Basic call to consciousness. (Rev. ed.) Native Voices. (Book Publishing Co., PO Box 99, Summeaown TN 38483). 160p. illus. notes. bibiliog. index. c2005. 1-57067159-1. $11.95. A

This is actually a collection of position papers, originally delivered to the Non-Governmental Organizations of the United Nations in Geneva in 1977. The chapters are written by a variety of Native American authors, some of them produced here in English translation. They are illuminating in their discussion of Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois) history; idealistic in the extreme (could anyone's ancestors really be so completely egalitarian, peaceful and spiritual? No disgruntled, destructive atheists anywhere?), and radical in their disgust with most things of European origin ("... the monster ... was the United States of America." p.63).

There are several pages in several chapters that mention Native American religious beliefs, but if that is of prime interest for anyone, they will need to go to other titles. Spirituality here is brought up primarily to emphasize the message that Native American spirituality respects Mother Earth more than other religions. As the politics of indigenous people is still a hot issue (most particularly in Hawaii right now), this title would provide some background understanding to some passionate words. Recommend for academic and public libraries where there is an interest. Katherine Gillien, Libn., Luke AFB Lib., AZ