American Indian Literary Nationalism By Jace Weaver, Craig Womack and Robert Warrior University of New Mexico Press $19.95

New book explores literary nationalism

In a contentious field characterized by divergence of opinion, American Indian Literary Nationalism intervenes in recent controversial debates on the role of hybridity, suggesting common sense strategies rooted in the material realities of various ­communities. Jace Weaver, UGA professor of religion and director of the Institute of Native American Studies, co- authored the book with Craig Womack and ­Robert ­Warrior.In the work, the three assert that being a “nationalist” is a legitimate perspective from which to approach Native American literature and criticism.

They consider such a methodology not only defensible, but also crucial to supporting Native national sovereignty and self-determination, an important goal of Native American Studies since academia has accepted the legitimacy of Native American literature.

However, the authors do not believe that their methodology is the only way to approach Native literature. They make a point to allow for divergent points of view that support Native literary nationalism, as long as differing approaches endorse free expression and both Native and non-Native participation and discussion.