North American Genocides: Indigenous Nations, Settler Colonialism, and International Law

The authors of "North American Genocides" argue that the colonization of North America by European powers can be characterized as genocide, based on the definition of genocide in the United Nations Genocide Convention and enhanced by subsequent legal decisions. They apply this methodology to two historical cases, the Beothuk Nation and the Powhatan Tsenacommacah, and suggest that the Conventional account of genocide needs to evolve to include the role of cultural destruction in undermining the viability of human groups.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 265 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The tragic history of North American Indigenous nations under settler colonialism has been a subject of intense study and debate. In their book, "North American Genocides," Laurelyn Whitt and Alan W. Clarke argue that if certain events that occurred during this period were to take place today, they could be prosecuted as genocide. The authors develop a legal methodology to establish this claim, drawing upon the definition of genocide as presented in the United Nations Genocide Convention and enhanced by subsequent decisions in international legal forums.

The book focuses on early British colonization and applies this methodology to two historical cases: that of the Beothuk Nation from 1500 to 1830 and that of the Powhatan Tsenacommacah from 1607 to 177. Whitt and Clarke argue that these cases demonstrate the devastating impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous nations, including the intentional destruction of their cultures, languages, and ways of life.

One of the key arguments made by the authors is that the conventional account of genocide, which focuses solely on the physical destruction of a population, fails to capture the full extent of the harm caused by settler colonialism. They argue that cultural destruction played a crucial role in undermining the viability of Indigenous nations and that this should be recognized as a form of genocide.

To support their argument, Whitt and Clarke provide detailed analysis of the historical records and contemporary scholarship on the Beothuk Nation and the Powhatan Tsenacommacah. They highlight the systematic efforts by the British colonists to undermine Indigenous societies, including the forced relocation of Indigenous people, the introduction of diseases, and the suppression of Indigenous languages and customs.

The book also offers a critique of the conventional account of genocide, suggesting how it might evolve beyond its limitations to embrace the role of cultural destruction in undermining the viability of human groups. The authors argue that cultural genocide is not just about the physical destruction of cultural artifacts or practices but also about the erasure of cultural knowledge, the marginalization of cultural groups, and the denial of their historical and political rights.

In conclusion, "North American Genocides" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the tragic history of North American Indigenous nations under settler colonialism. The authors argue that if certain events that occurred during this period were to take place today, they could be prosecuted as genocide. They also suggest that the conventional account of genocide needs to be expanded to include the role of cultural destruction in undermining the viability of human groups. This book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the legacy of settler colonialism and the need for reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples.

Weight: 361g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108442428