"If we allow the pieces of our culture to lie scattered in the dust of history, trampled on by racism and grief, then yes, we are irreparably damaged. But if we pick up the pieces and use them in new ways that honor their integrity, their colors, textures, stories, then we do those pieces justice, no matter how sharp they are, no matter how much handling them slices our fingers and makes us bleed." This book, part tribal history, part lyric and intimate...

"From the vast quantity of data available for the period between the founding of the first missionary societies in the new nation in 1787 and the closing of many mission stations by the coming of the Civil War, Mr. Berkhofer has examined the records of all Protestant denominations operating in the mission fields with regard to aims, organizations, and areas of endeavor, as well as the response to missionary efforts among sixteen Indian tribes scattered...

Describes the missions built in America by the Spanish and examines their political, military, and religious significance.