This was interesting and enlightening. The US has done it's best to decimate Native American history and peoples throughout history. There's a lot of information inside, and I learned a lot while reading it. It's well-written, and easy to read. A great resource overall.

I have to admit I knew almost nothing about the American Indian population, so this book was definitely interesting to read and pretty enlightening as it doesn't deal only with the past, but it shares useful information and resources about the present, and in a sense the future as well. Please get hold of a copy and spend some time reading it! It will definitely open your eyes and there is so much to take.

This book wasn't what a I had in mind...very text heavy. Very good research and great for those looking more into their heritage or for someone looking for more information.

I really enjoyed reading this book, while a little dry at times I found it very informative and recommend this book.

The book is broken up into 7 sections- The BIA, The Past, the Present, the Future, Native Genealogy, Study Guide, and Internet Resources.

Why start with the BIA? Simply because even today, the BIA still has control, and a huge influence, on every aspect of Native American life. And while it HAS improved, there are still changes that need to be made. Which is why the author looks at the past (for a better look at how much has been LOST) and at the present next, for how the US Census is like the BIA- they had it wrong, but are also doing so much better, to help with different projects. The future chapter looks at how casinos have both help and hindered the cause for independence and sovereignty, and caused legal nightmares. But hope exits in the form of DNA. As people research their DNA and genealogy, they find lost ancestors and want to connect with their extended families and ancestors. DNA might do what the census and BIA couldn't- bring back those who were lost!

The last 2 sections may be the most helpful for teachers, looking for honest answers to how Native history and cultural should be taught, and what should be covered! the last section will also be very helpful to those doing genealogy homework. I can tell you from experience, that can me a quicksand whirlpool, and the included links are some of the best! With such a small cost (!!!), this 200 page book is a bounty of info that you won't find anywhere else, and is a much needed Native American resource!

What is the politically correct collective racial identity for Indians who were "pre-Columbus, pre-America and pre- United States"?

Read American Indianology 101 by George L. Russell to find out. You'll find answers to a lot of other questions, and insights you don't see published or up for discussion in many places. E.g.,

How many tribes still exist?

How many people have an Indian ancestor but are not tribally enrolled?

How many reservations are there?

What is the American Indian population of the United States?

Again, read the book. Yes, it's repetitive and strays off-topic, and it could be better organized and edited, as other reviewers point out--while they overlook all the salient points. The issues are timely and sorely in need of attention. Half a century later, this is still true, sad to say:

"American Indians are the least understood and the most misunderstood Americans of us all." -- John F. Kennedy, 1963

You'll find this JFK quote, and many others, in this book. You'll face a lot of questions, some with obvious answers, and some that require more thought and effort.

More than a geneology, this book is packed with issues that should concern all Americans. Unfortunately, most people just don't care about this minority group and worse, most know very little about the history and the people who lived in North America before Europeans conquered the land.

"Indian people are the only race who must legally document that they are Indian," Russell informs us. "Other races are accepted at face value. No pun intended."

Statistics show that the Indian gene pool is getting smaller with each generation and is at risk of being extinguished. DNA testing is the most reliable way to show blood quantum, though it doesn't delineate all the tribes. With Indians having mixed inter-tribally for thousands of years and interracially for 500 hyears, "untold millions of Americans" are likely to have an Indian ancestor. Most African-Americans, geneticists say, can claim at least one white or Indian ancestor.

Russell devotes well-warranted attention (however "off-topic" others may find it) to historical mistreatment and near-extermination of those who were living here before the current majority.

American Indian DNA is in more descendants than we have recorded or acknowledged--and with talk of native races going extinct, it is more important than ever for us to pay attention to who is left. Comparing mixed blood to the African slavery experience, Russell posits, "Consensual and non-consensual sexual activity has always been considered a military prerogative," and when inter-tribal mixing is factored in, "This dilution of blood quantum will ultimately lead to their absorption into the rest of a multiracial American society."

Blood quantum is a way to define the percentage of Native American DNA in one's blood. One Indian grandparent leaves us with 1/4 blood quantum, and the lineal descendants factor down to 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32, which is the lowest blood quantum allowed for enrollment in, for example, the Kaw Nation.

Only 20 percent of Native Americans live on reservations; 80 percent have migrated to cities for education and employment, leading to a new group known as "Urban Indians."

Published May 5, 2018, this book has only one review was posted at Amazon and one at Goodreads as of September 30, 2019. The issues are relevant and profound, yet conspicuously absent in political debates. I could list so many more issues from the text, but how many people will even read this book review? I'm willing to take the time to type excerpts from the book and share the many salient issues, but first, I need to figure out a place to post such a review. Congress?

"Congress no longer uses the brutal sword of conquest for control but the legal thrust of a Congressional rapier so smooth that most Indians will hardly know they have been mortally wounded until the damage has been done," Russell writes. Their destiny is "at a critical crossroads," and Russell makes a call for education, political solidarity, and economic independence, with an emphasis on nonviolent paths.

Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial, the publisher, for a free copy of this book. My reviews are honest and (I hope) unbiased.

Interesting yet a bit repetitive and tends to get slightly off topic at times. Definitely has some helpful information though and I appreciate the clickable links.

I was very disappointed in this book. From the title I had expected more genealogy and tracing your roots. I felt that the information that was given was repeated multiple times in different places throughout the book. It seemed very unorganized.

I received a free electronic copy of this book of the history of the Tribes of the Americans from Netgalley, George Russell, and BooksGoSocial. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read American Indianology 101 of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of the work.

This is a must-have research work for anyone interested in the evolution of Native American tribes, from crossing the frozen bridge to Alaska, through today's efforts seeking validity. George Russell gives us the facts, the treaties, the broken promises, and the websites to further educate ourselves if we so desire. It is wonderful to have this information available at the touch of a finger. Much of it has been marginally mentioned during our various schooling but just having the hard facts at hand when we are wanting it is special. Thank you again.

Very interesting information! I am from a tribe that is unrecognized. The Main tribe is and refuses to allow us to merge back in. I did receive disbursements from the BIA however which makes absolutely no sense!

I learned some interesting things that I will be researching. This book is definitely worth reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

American Indianology 101 is well written and short. It is well researched and interesting. It is easy to read.

This was an interesting book, especially as a study of people and culture. I’ve been fascinated with Native Americans/Indians since I was young. Russell also positions himself and the work early on with clarity.

This was a quick short read about today's population of Native Americans. It tells us about their tribes and population as well.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.