This volume investigates the evolving political, social, and cultural status of American Indians from the mid-19th century to the present through the lens of primary source documentation. Nancy Shoemaker, a scholar specializing in Native American history, curates a collection of government records, personal accounts, and legal documents to illustrate the complex relationship between Indigenous nations and the United States government. By organizing these materials chronologically, the book provides a framework for understanding how federal policies, such as assimilation and termination, have impacted tribal sovereignty and individual identity over the last 150 years.

Historians and educators frequently cite this work as a valuable resource for students seeking direct engagement with historical records rather than secondary interpretation. The text is recognized for its balanced selection of documents that highlight both the imposition of federal authority and the resilience of Native American populations.