Allotment Stories

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This collection presents over two dozen narratives of Indigenous resistance against the privatization and allotment of their lands, a process rooted in settler colonialism that has severed Indigenous peoples from their traditional territories, causing profound harm. It explores various forms of resistance, from nineteenth-century Anishinaabe women using homesteading to preserve their independence to the impact of road construction on Guam’s Indigenous heritage, and the connections between land loss and genocide in California. The stories range from historical to contemporary, addressing global Indigenous land struggles and showcasing a blend of scholarly and creative expressions. The narratives emphasize how Indigenous communities have harnessed creativity to maintain collective ties, kinship, and cultural commitments despite ongoing privatization efforts. This collection not only informs readers but also encourages further exploration into Indigenous resilience, piecing together the fragments that allotment forces have sought to dismantle. Through diverse disciplinary perspectives, it constructs a multifaceted dialogue on the enduring spirit of resistance among Indigenous peoples.