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Indigenous Governance Summer Reading List

From a fictional thriller to a leading report on Native children, the HKS Project on Indigenous Governance and Development shares recommendations for must-reads this summer.

A compilation for book covers from the summer reading list

Summer reading recommendations from the Project on Indigenous Governance and Development feature compelling articles, books, and podcasts. From fiction to factual reports, this list was curated for students and lifelong learners interested in better understanding Indigenous culture and tribal sovereignty. 

Books

“Firekeeper’s Daughter” Cover of "The Fire Keepers Daughter" features two faces that make up the shape of a butterfly, underneath flames lick the words in the title.

Angeline Boulley

This YA thriller is set in Sault Ste. Marie against a backdrop of limited choices for young Indigenous people – hockey or drugs. Quickly, and following the horrible murder of her friend, the novel’s Ojibwe hero Daunis is thrust into the dark underbelly of her hometown forcing her to face the violent impacts of colonization on her community. Half White and Ojibwe, she strikes a difficult balancing act code-switching throughout Ojibwe author Angeline Boulley’s first novel.

“Warrior Girl Unearthed”The cover of "Warrior Girl Unearthed" features a young girl looking straight ahead surrounded by red and orange organic shapes

Angeline Boulley

Ojibwe author Angeline Boulley’s second book follows the curiosity of a character from the bestseller “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” In pursuit of a lazy summer, Perry must instead get a job and finds herself interning at a museum where she learns about stolen artifacts and the desecration of Indigenous graves. Themes of repatriation, repairing harms, and the urgency of missing Indigenous persons cases invite YA readers to gain awareness as they follow Perry’s journey of self-discovery.

The cover of "Treaty Justice" has a photo of a protest over Indigenous fishing rights

“Treaty Justice: The Northwest Tribes, the Boldt Decision, and the Recognition of Fishing Rights”

Charles Wilkinson

In time for the 50th anniversary of the landmark Boldt Decision, Wilkinson unlocks a unique view into the players and actions behind the fight for civil rights for tribes in the Pacific Northwest and the lasting significance of the decision which set a new legal precedent for the relationship between tribes, the federal government, and the states.

Report

The cover of "The Way Forward" features Native children

Report of the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children “The Way Forward”

Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children

Named after two advocates of Native children, in 2016 Congress established this Commission with the charge to conduct a study of the programs, funding, and supports of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children from birth to the age of 24. This report is the most recent comprehensive study providing recommendations for improvements to support Native children better.

Video

Keynote Address, Leadership and Health Care Transformation in Medically Underserved Communities Symposium

Gov. Bill Anoatubby

Being a part of a certain community, whether it be a neighborhood, an ethnicity, or otherwise, should not impact your health. Many communities are medically underserved creating unique challenges for their community members. Hear Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby discuss how his leadership shaped the healthcare transformation of Chickasaw Nation. You’ll also hear a diverse panel that includes healthcare providers, leaders, and policymakers as they discuss their experiences and the strategies to work towards a healthier America.

This event was recorded on Jan. 18, 2024, on the Harvard Medical School campus.

Podcast

A graphic reads "Eric Henson, Impact Boom" against a backdrop of rolling water

Episode 464, Eric Henson on The Rippling Impact of Effective Tribal Governance

Impact Boom Podcast

On Episode 464 of Impact Boom, Eric Henson of the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development discusses honoring First Nations people, communities, and stewardship in the United States and how tribal governance can help reimagine what’s possible when addressing systemic social issues.

Explore other Summer Reading Lists

AI and Democracy Summer Reading List
Graphic that includes all of the book covers mentioned in this list.

Feature

AI and Democracy Summer Reading List

This list, curated by the GETTING-Plurality Research Network at the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation, highlights a mix of foundational texts and new thinking on the timely issue of how AI will impact democracy, especially as we head into election season.

Antiracism Summer Reading List
Collage of cover photos of all of the books

Feature

Antiracism Summer Reading List

15 noteworthy recent releases handpicked by the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability (IARA) Project.

Elections and Voting Summer Reading List
Collage of the book covers, youtube graphics, and report covers

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Elections and Voting Summer Reading List

A collection of must-reads curated by Ash Center’s Tova Wang showcases new ideas and efforts to build a more inclusive democracy in the US.

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Back-to-school recommended reads from the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development include books, articles, and podcasts that highlight Indigenous governance narratives.