The Drive of Civilization: The Stikine Forest Versus Americanism (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781532781957)

Professor and author Diane J. Purvis sheds light on the plight of the Stikine Tlingit, one of the first indigenous groups occupying Southeast Alaska's Tongass Forest, in a historic battle to retain their traditional lands after the advent of Big Timber.

Because of the expansion of Western civilization, the Native clans were forced to powerlessly watch as their lands and waters were usurped without extinguishment of aboriginal title.

From the Russians to the Americans, the newcomers moved in and staked their claim, ignoring the rights of the first people. Purvis demonstrates step-by-step how the Tlingit were politically marginalized by resource imperialism.

A compelling historical narrative of an indigenous group fighting against the federal government's reckless resource extraction, all the way to the Supreme Court. The Drive of Civilization should not be missed by history lovers seeking a fresh look at American Native strength.