The Restless and Relentless Mind of Wes Jackson: Searching for Sustainability by Robert Jensen (review)

Abstract

Indigenous natal homelands and events in urban areas is nonexistent. They are, historically and to the present, intimately connected and impactful. Despite the diversity in scholarly perspectives, approaches, and topics, an overlapping theme, that of ethnic resiliency, is elucidated in the articles that reflect the complexities about the Indigenous experience in living an urban existence. As active agents in their own histories, Indigenous people and communities, while confronting prevailing political structures, nationalistic policies, legal frameworks, as well as colonial agendas, created and sustained a sense of identity and place in urban spaces. As with any collection of readings, Indian Cities: Histories of Indigenous Urbanization is testimony to the burgeoning, wideranging scholarship about Native American experiences. At its broadest conception, the urban Indigenous heritage is a vital but sometimes overlooked component of Native American lifeways. Urban indigeneity, whether expressed by tangible or intangible means, provides a sense of belonging, continuity, and collectivity. As this volume aptly illustrates, Native American urban issues are a complex arena that deserves further scholarly attention. Overall, the contributions are a framework for reflection, debate, and new avenues for research.