Sacred Lands of America

The book examines the impact of colonization, land dispossession, and resource extraction on these sites, revealing the ongoing struggles for preservation and the critical importance of tribal sovereignty.

The book traces historical interactions between European settlers and Native American populations, contrasting views on land ownership and resource management alongside Native American beliefs like animism and shamanism. It emphasizes that preserving these sacred lands is vital for reconciliation and environmental justice, urging a shift from utilitarian views of land to recognizing its inherent spiritual value.

Progressing through geographical regions like the Southwest, Great Plains, and Eastern Woodlands, the book presents case studies of specific sacred sites, detailing their historical significance, current state, and protection efforts using ethnographic studies, oral histories, and tribal archives.