"The impact of the new diseases on this [Indian] population constituted one of the greatest biological catastrophes in human history. Whole tribes were wiped out. Others lost 50, 75, 90 percent of their population" (Introduction, pg. 2.)

"The Indian voices that have survived from that time, even in muted and distorted form, allow us to question the assumptions of Europeans whose writings for so long monopolized our view of America's early history" (Introduction, pg. 18.)

"Dreams played a crucial role in the lives of many Indian peoples, putting them in touch with the spirit world and allowing them glimpses of the future. Dreams provided guidance in their lives in the same way that the Bible offered direction to many Christians" (Chapter 1, pg. 33.)

"Your written accounts of events at this period are familiar to you, my friends. Your children read them every day in their school books; but they do not read - no...