We Are the Land - by Damon B Akins & William J Bauer

The book "We Are The Land" is a groundbreaking work that rewrites the history of California as Indigenous, centering the lives and legacies of Native people in the creation of the state.

This comprehensive text offers a long-overdue perspective on California's past, from pre-European contact to statehood, highlighting the centrality of Indigenous presence and activism throughout.

By contextualizing encounters with Europeans, Spanish missions, Mexican secularization, and the devastation of the Gold Rush, this book provides a nuanced understanding of California's complex history.

The author's focus on the persistence and organizing efforts of California Indians in the late 20th and early 21st centuries is particularly noteworthy, as it sheds light on the ongoing struggles for land, sovereignty, and self-determination. With a focus on accessibility and comprehensiveness, "We Are The Land" is an invaluable resource for students, educators, and policy-makers interested in a history that centers the native experience.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex and often overlooked history of California and its Indigenous peoples.