The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was the US government’s attempt to define who “Indians” were. Among the criteria the act set was a blood quantum, which declared that “Indians” were "all other persons of one-half or more Indian blood". Today, many tribes wrestle with the legacy of blood quantum and “Indian” identity, as they work to manage tribal enrollment and social services. As the bloodlines grow increasingly diluted, within a few generation, recognized tribes might legally disappear.
Through essays, personal stories, case studies, satire, and poetry,The Great Vanishing Act brings together writers from around the world to explore the biological and cultural metaphor of blood quantum, the most critical issue facing Indigenous populations in the twenty-first century.
"This extraordinary, wildly informative book provides deep insight to the challenges Native America faces with blood quantum. The book could very well inspire Native America to consciously and deeply rethink how our tribes have been delineated by blood quantum policy and its pure intent to extinguish our people." —Richard Luarkie, CEO, Emerging Equities Solutions Group, Former Governor for Pueblo of Laguna
"The Great Vanishing Actprovides incisive criticism and warning regarding colonially inspired and federally promulgated modes of American Indian assimilation and annihilation - most notable the Anglo-American racial notion of blood quantum." —Gabriel S. Galanda, Galanda Broadman, PLLC
Norbert S. Hillis an enrolled citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and has recently retired as Area Director of Education and Training for the Nation. Hill’s previous appointment was Vice President of the College of Menominee Nation for their Green Bay campus. Hill served as the executive director of the American Indială9
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