This is somewhat a biography/autobiography that interweaves the author’s tribal history and folklore with his own upbringing and experiences growing up without a steady father figure, his own father a semi-famous Native artist having been in and out his life. Unfortunately, I have decided to DNF despite the beautiful insight into Pacific Northwest Native culture.

My decision for doing this was not made lightly, but I was completely turned off when, about 40% into the book, the author decided to talk about MY tribe, the Lumbee from North Carolina. It sounded like he had read the book “Lumbee Indians in the Jim Crow South” by Lumbee scholar Malinda Maynor Lowery, a book I highly recommend reading if you want to learn about the history of the Lumbee tribe, and spit out some of the major facts without adding any of the nuances present in Lowery’s book.
I find it somewhat funny that the author said he had never talked to a group of Natives that were suspicious of his presence and his probing about our history. He doesn’t realize, or maybe he did and just doesn’t care, that this is the exact reason WHY people did not want to talk to him about it. They knew we would become the center of yet ANOTHER conversation about federal recognition from someone who does NOT understand our history. This is not his story to tell, even if he is in support of us gaining federal recognition. He can be supportive without using us and our struggles as a conversation topic surrounding identity. We are CONFIDENT in our status as Native Americans, we don’t need the speculating on if we belong or not, we know we do, which is why we’ve been fighting for so long.
I may check this out from my local library one day to give it another shot. However, I wouldn’t pay for it or keep it in my personal collection.
If he had just stuck to discussing his own family and tribal history, I’d have liked this book a lot better. But as it stands, I cannot keep reading, as the chapter about my tribe left a very, very bad taste in my mouth.

I appreciated Julian Brave Noisecat sharing this story with them, the concept worked and thought the story needed to be told. It was written well and thought the reporting worked overall. It was a great book and had that element that I was expecting.

An advanced review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.


Introduction

"We Survived the Night" by Julian Brave Noisecat is a compelling narrative that intertwines journalism, personal memoir, and Indigenous mythology to explore the contemporary lives and historical narratives of Indigenous peoples in North America. NoiseCat, known for his insightful commentary on Indigenous issues and climate justice, brings his diverse experiences and cultural background into this debut book, offering readers a nuanced look at survival, identity, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. This review aims to dissect the various layers of the book, highlighting its strengths, themes, and overall impact.

Summary

The book navigates through the complexities of Indigenous existence in the modern era, focusing on themes like the apocalypse, odyssey, and the trickster archetype. NoiseCat uses these themes to discuss the persistent effects of colonialism, the diaspora of Indigenous communities, and the cultural resilience and adaptation in the face of systemic challenges. The narrative is not only a broad commentary but also deeply personal, as NoiseCat reflects on his own family's history, including his father's experiences with residential schools, and his journey towards understanding his heritage and identity.

Key Passages:

On the Apocalypse:
"The apocalypse isn't a future event; it's a long, slow unfurling disaster that Indigenous people have been living through since the first European ships arrived." This passage encapsulates NoiseCat's view of an ongoing cultural and ecological apocalypse for Indigenous peoples, challenging the mainstream narrative of apocalypse as a future event.
Odyssey of Identity:
"Our journey is not just from one place to another but from one understanding of ourselves to another, redefining what 'home' means in the diaspora." Here, NoiseCat speaks to the physical and emotional odyssey of reclaiming and redefining identity in the shadow of displacement.
The Trickster's Role:
"Tricksters teach us to navigate the contradictions between our worlds, to find laughter in the ruins, and to use cunning where power fails." This quote reflects on how Indigenous peoples use cultural stories to survive and navigate modern life's complexities.
Personal Memoir:
"My father was born to a young girl in a residential school, almost thrown into an incinerator. His life was a testament to survival, a defiance against erasure." NoiseCat's personal narrative adds a poignant layer to the book, connecting historical trauma with contemporary resilience.
Cultural Continuity:
"In Secwepemctsín, we say 'tscwinúcw-k' when we greet each other in the morning, which means 'you survived the night.' It's a daily acknowledgment of survival and resistance." This passage underscores the book's title and theme, highlighting the language and cultural practices that affirm Indigenous existence.

Conclusion

"We Survived the Night" is more than just a book; it's an essential dialogue on Indigenous survival, identity, and resistance. NoiseCat's ability to weave together diverse narrative threads offers both an educational and emotional journey for the reader. His critique of colonial legacies, combined with personal storytelling, makes this book a vital contribution to discussions on Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and the environmental crisis. While it might challenge some readers with its blend of styles, the richness of its content and its call for a deeper understanding of Indigenous narratives make it an indispensable read.

Ratings Breakdown:

Content & Depth: 5/5 - The depth of historical insight combined with personal narrative is unparalleled.
Writing Style: 4/5 - NoiseCat's style is engaging, though the shift between reportage, memoir, and mythology might occasionally feel disjointed.
Cultural Representation: 5/5 - Provides a profound, authentic voice to Indigenous experiences and perspectives.
Narrative Structure: 4/5 - The structure is innovative but can be complex for those unfamiliar with the themes or styles.
Impact & Relevance: 5/5 - Highly relevant in today's context of Indigenous rights and environmental activism.

Total Rating: 4/5 - A recommended read that not only informs but also challenges and inspires.