I have recently become aware that a book entitled The Militarization of Indian Country (MSU Press – Makwa Enewed series) by ICTMN contributor Winona LaDuke will be published in 2013. The Anishinaabe visionary has authored/co-authored more than ten titles to date. Her critical eye this time focuses on a cutting edge subject, typified by modern American military drones currently flying surveillance over Indian Country and foreign “tribal” lands alike.

The United States historical emphasis of tribal dislocation to so-called federal reservations is an important aspect of the military institutional model. It remains an exercise in control.

Although the word “reservation” is mostly associated with North American Indian communities, it also serves to describe military “proving grounds” that preceded the modern bases we know by name today. Even the term “going off the reservation” alludes to a wider circumstance than just someone who went on a three day bender. It typically describes philosophical loss, a change of life decision, or leaving home, so to speak.