History Quote by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
““histories. Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) historian Jean O’Brien names this practice of writing Indians out of existence “firsting and lasting.” All over the continent, local histories, monuments, and signage narrate the story of first settlement: the founder(s), the first school, first dwelling, first everything, as if there had never been occupants who thrived in those places before Euro-Americans.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar‑Ortiz, 2019
The practice of erasing Indigenous peoples from history is called “firsting and lasting,” which frames colonization as the beginning of history and ignores pre‑existing cultures.
In simple terms: Erasing Native histories creates a false “first” narrative.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and include Indigenous histories.
Themes
colonialism
history
indigenous rights
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
historical
social justice
When to use this quote
- education curricula
- museum exhibits
- public monuments
- policy debates
Key Concepts
historical erasure
narrative control
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies rewrite dominant histories?
- What responsibilities do we have to restore erased narratives?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched narratives can meet strong resistance.
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