In the Light of Justice: The Rise of Human Rights in Native America and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Paperback – Illustrated, July 1, 2013

In the Light of Justice is a "must read" for those interested in Indian Law, Ecological issues, Restorative and Social Justice, as well as those passionate about what lessons History can offer to better the state of humankind. Walter Echo-Hawk, along with illustrator Bunky Echo-Hawk, don't allow this work to become overly weighted down with the wrongs of History. Rather, Echo-Hawk uses the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a tool to unlock the opportunities for understanding colonialism and its impact on the web of life here on Earth. He then adds his powerful reasoning and expansive well of hope and positive energy to open the doors to a path forward that could benefit all of humankind and their varied interests.This book is highly readable, current, well-illustrated, enlightening and most importantly offers hope for even the most world-weary reader.

Finally, we have Walter Echo Hawk, educated, informed, up-to-date with the latest laws and policies regarding Indigenous people. If you are in the least bit concerned or empathetic toward the Indigenous population, this book is a necessary read In order that we are informed as to the true scope our work can do, the laws and policies now available to us. Thank you Walter Echo Hawk for following your passion for THE PEOPLE, for using your education and your great legal mind to help us to decipher, what at best, looks like a conglomeration of abuse and continued abuse in which we feel powerless over here in the US. POWER TO THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE.

This should be required reading for all Americans. As Walter has said, until the United States reaches reconciliation with Native-Americans for the European settlers' theft of the continent, our nation will never be at peace. And our laws need to be changed from their basis on conquest to a basis on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Persuasive and pointed.

This is an exceptional resource by a man possessing extensive knowledge and wisdom in the realm of Native American rights and Indigenous human rights. I will make good use of this text in my work with international Indigenous populations.Ben ShermanFounder, World Indigenous Tourism AllianceMember, Oglala Lakota Tribal Nation

Reads Well for a Legal Do.

Marvelous...required reading

Walter Echo-Hawk is to be highly commended for his well thought out, accurate, articulate, and well researched analysis on the current state of legal issues that affect Native-Americans and other Indigenous Issues in today's legal climate. Mr. Echo-Hawk presents in an interesting and tragic read the obstacles placed on Native-Americans throughout American history by the courts of law, military treaties, and other hurldes that Native-Americans faced, sometimes were victorious, but often than naught defeated due to the prejudices by "white" courts, and violations of treaties between the tribes and the U.S. Military. Mr. Echo-Hawk tells the history of the legal issues and cases that led to the United Nations 2007 Declarations on the Right of Indigenous Peoples and how in 2010 it ushered in a new era of Native American law and policy. Mr. Echo-Hawk presents his case in a well-researched and thought provoking way that demands that Native-Americans still have the legal right to pursue in a court of law corrections to past injustices that were committed upon whole tribes of Native Americans and other Indigenous peoples (Hawaiians, Alaskans).The fascinating history of how the Native-Americans were once numerous in North America were brought to a verge of extinction in a short-time span of about 300 years due to greedy land-grab, disease, and active destruction of food resources. The Native-Americans had to endure such injustices and when they tried to speak out or defend themselves, they were crushed militarily, and in courts of law. History over time has come to recognize such injustices, while governments do not. Especially, in the case of the United States, others like Mr. Echo-Hawk were stubborn enough and passionate enough to have their voices heard and be recognized. I admire Mr. Echo-Hawk, not only does he speak with passion, but also with facts. He backs up every claim of injustice with the historical background and the facts that affected Native Americans. There are numerous analysis in the book that Mr. Echo-Hawk presents in an interesting read that makes those who read this recognize his case, cheer for his passion, and hope for the future of Native-Americans and other Indigenous Peoples.My concern is that will the Native-American Youth of today be as passionate as Mr. Echo-Hawk and other elders in the Native-American Communities? Has the Native-American Youth and their generations become to assimilated in Western-Culture to understand they have a distinct voice? I truly believe that every Native-American today should be presented this book and talk about it in Native Councils, Communities, Pow-Wow's, Stomp Dances, and other social gatherings and discuss this book and make a case either supporting what Mr. Echo-Hawk stands for and researching further issues affecting Native-Rights.Let me also add that I am not Native-American, nor do I have any right except to say that I admire Mr. Echo-Hawk for his passion, his great background as a lawyer who presents his findings in a clear and consise way and I hope that he continues this journey of justice for past crimes against Native-Americans.