Indians in the Family

Explore the complex narratives of adoption and assimilation in early America with Indians in the Family by Dawn Peterson. Published by Harvard University Press in 2017, this compelling hardback spans 432 pages and delves into the experiences of a dozen white adopters, adopted Indian children, and their Native parents. Peterson reveals how these personal stories illuminate the broader historical context of U.S. efforts to subdue Native peoples through adoption. As these adoptees grew into adulthood, their education empowered them to challenge U.S. claims to their ancestral lands, setting the stage for significant events like the Indian Removal Act of 1830. This thought-provoking book is essential for anyone interested in the intersections of identity, history, and the legacy of adoption in the context of Native American experiences.