Vital Relations: How the Osage Nation Moves Indigenous Nationhood into the Future

This ethnography provides a deeper vision of the struggles Native nation leaders are currently facing by exploring the Osage philosophy of moving to a new country as a framework for relational governance. It shows that nation-building is an ongoing process of reworking colonial constraints to serve the nation's own ends, and that Osage officials have undertaken deliberate changes to strengthen Osage relations to their language, self-governance, health, and land. Scholars and future Indigenous leaders can learn from the Osage Nation's past challenges, strategies, and ongoing commitments to better enact the difficult work of Indigenous nation building.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

Relationality holds a central place within the realm of Indigenous studies, yet there exists a relative scarcity of research that delves into the practicalities of establishing and nurturing relationships, particularly within the complex landscape of Native nations' governance. By centering its attention on the distinctive history and context of the Osage nation-building endeavors, this insightful ethnography offers a profound perspective on the ongoing challenges faced by Native nation leaders. Through the lens of the Osage philosophy of relocating to a new country as a framework for relational governance, Jean Dennison demonstrates how the Osage perceive nation-building as an ongoing endeavor to rework the constraints imposed by colonialism in service of the nation's own aspirations. As Dennison compellingly argues, Osage officials have undertaken deliberate efforts to strengthen their relations with their language, self-governance, health, and land, which are fundamental requirements for a people to thrive both in the present and in the future.

Scholars and aspiring Indigenous leaders can draw valuable lessons from the past experiences, strategies, and unwavering commitments of the Osage Nation in their pursuit of effective Indigenous nation-building. By studying the Osage Nation's journey, we can gain insights into the complexities, complexities, and opportunities inherent in the process of reclaiming sovereignty, revitalizing languages, promoting self-determination, and safeguarding ancestral lands. This knowledge can serve as a compass for navigating the challenges and complexities of building strong and resilient Indigenous nations in the present and future.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 61 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781469676975