A Century of Dishonor

A Century of Dishonor, published in 1881 by Helen Hunt Jackson, is a powerful critique of U.S. government policies towards Native Americans and an exposé of the injustices they faced throughout the 19th century. Jackson, a passionate advocate for Native American rights, meticulously documents the broken treaties, violent conflicts, and cultural erasure experienced by various tribes. Through a combination of historical accounts and personal anecdotes, she illuminates the systemic discrimination faced by Indigenous peoples, challenging readers to confront the moral implications of a nation built on such injustices. The book's earnest tone and compelling narrative resonate deeply, urging a reconsideration of the dominant narratives surrounding American expansionism and its impacts. Jackson's work remains a pivotal text in understanding Native American history, highlighting the urgent need for acknowledgment and reparative justice. "A Century of Dishonor" is both a sobering reminder of past transgressions and a call to honor the dignity and rights of Indigenous communities.