Inherited Silence: Listening to the Land, Healing the Colonizer Mind

Inherited Silence explores the historical damages caused by early colonizers of America and how their descendants can recognize and heal the harm done to the earth and native peoples. It reveals the unspoken story of a beloved land in California's Napa Valley and offers a way to heal the wounds of the land, its original people, and the harmful mind of the colonizer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: New Village Press

Inherited Silence delves into the profound historical damages inflicted by early colonizers of America and explores how their descendants can recognize and heal the harm done to the earth and the native peoples. The book takes a poignant look at the land in California's Napa Valley, tracing its journey from the onslaught of colonization to the present-day challenges posed by drought, development, and wildfires. Author Louise Dunlap's ancestors were among the first Europeans to claim ownership of traditional lands of the Wappo people during a period of genocide. As settlers, their consciousness gradually shifted, but the legacy of their actions remained unspoken. When Dunlap inherited the land, she embarked on a quest to uncover the hidden stories and untold truths of its past.

Through meticulous research and personal reflection, Dunlap uncovers the mechanisms that perpetuated silence and the cultural beliefs that justified colonization. She explores the ways in which her ancestors' experiences shaped their worldview and the impact it had on the land and its inhabitants.

Inherited Silence offers a powerful message that encourages readers to confront their own ancestors' role in colonization and to take responsibility for the harm done. It provides a roadmap for healing and reparation, urging individuals to evaluate their current actions and the lasting impact they can have on society and the planet. The book encourages readers to embrace a more inclusive and sustainable worldview, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations.

In conclusion, Inherited Silence is a thought-provoking and deeply moving book that sheds light on the historical wounds inflicted by colonization and offers a path toward healing and reconciliation. Through its powerful storytelling and insightful analysis, the book encourages readers to reflect on their own roles in perpetuating colonialism and to work towards a more just and sustainable world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781613321713