Ethnicity, Indigenous peoples -- Government relations, Acculturation, Economic development, Indigenous peoples -- Economic conditions 

""Native races must in every instance perish, or be amalgamated with the general population of the country." - Herman Mericale
From "Policy of Colonial Governments Towards Native Tribes, as Regards Their Protection and Their Civilization," 1861

When these words were spoken, several million tribal people controlled approximately half the globe, and such ethnocentric attitudes formed the cornerstone of colonial sentiment.

Today, although it is generally believed that large-scale development programs may harm native cultures, those concerned with tribals retain varying opinions on how best to contend with "progress." To provide an understanding of the impact of development, Professor Bodley offers a wide-ranging cross-section of case studies, policy positions, assessments, and recommendations, dating from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day. As in his earlier work, Victims of Progress, the author demonstrates that development has destroyed many tribal peoples, and he calls for a policy of self-determination to aid in their survival."--Back cover.