Defying the Odds

"Defying the Odds will fascinate any reader who wishes better to understand the tortured relationship between culture and law in the history of Indian sovereignty. The story of the Tule River Tribe is at once agonizing and redemptive, as a people torn asunder from within and without persevere across nearly two centuries to claim their right to sovereign choice. In following their story, we learn not simply the gritty details, but are educated to fundamental issues in Federal Indian Policy and Tribal reconstitution."-James F. Brooks, School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe -- James F. Brooks
""Defying the Odds "will fascinate any reader who wishes better to understand the tortured relationship between culture and law in the history of Indian sovereignty. The story of the Tule River Tribe is at once agonizing and redemptive, as a people torn asunder from within and without persevere across nearly two centuries to claim their right to sovereign choice. In following their story, we learn not simply the gritty details, but are educated to fundamental issues in Federal Indian Policy and Tribal reconstitution."--James F. Brooks, School for Advanced Research, Santa Fe

--James F. Brooks
"We do not have such a study of one reservation anywhere in the United States that thoroughly examines the many aspects of the political and cultural Native sovereignty. The book is magnificent in its subjects, approaches, methodologies, and analyses."--Clifford Trafzer, University of California Riverside--Clifford Trafzer
"The depth which these authors offer the reader in the 130-year scope is among the best. This is an excellent contribution to tribal literature with clear and careful analysis. The use of anthropology is very well done and original."--Sidney Harring, The City University of New York--Sidney Harring
""Defying the Odds" transcends any comparable case study of an Indian nation in the depth of its historical and legal analysis and the innovative and thoughtful articulation of contrasting models of indigenous sovereignty, as they are understood by Native and non-Native peoples. This work provides a nuanced understanding of indigenous political and cultural sovereignty and is a testament to the unique values of a land-based community striving to maintain its core identity and craft relationships with the various governments that have claimed political dominance in California. The story of the Tule River Tribe exemplifies the commitment to self-determination that underlies contemporary indigenous claims to self-government and economic development."--Rebecca Tsosie, Arizona State University

--Rebecca Tsosie