The history of the indigenous people of North America is full of stereotypes – and often viewed through a European lens. IN Native peopleshistorian Kathleen DuVal of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sets the record straight as she weaves together centuries of development to show how indigenous groups interacted with a changing world.
From the Medieval Warm Period to the Last Ice Age, it shows how climate change shaped their agricultural and water management techniques. We also discover engineering marvels such as the great hills of Cahokia in modern Illinois and the Huhugam canal network in Arizona.
From astronomical calendars to the spread of smallpox to colonization, DuVal’s book focuses on indigenous peoples themselves and dispels misconceptions.
If, like me, you’re a fan of historical non-fiction or like new perspectives on ecology, botany, archeology (and more), Native peoples will be an engaging read.
Kelsey Hayes
Chief Sub-Editor, London
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