A Wampanoag Voice Speaks: Recategorizing History and the Fight for Truth
Linda Coombs, a Wampanoag historian and author, joins Here & Now’s Robin Young to discuss the recent reclassification of her book Colonization and the Wampanoag Story.This powerful nonfiction work, intended for middle school readers, explores the devastating consequences of European colonization on the Wampanoag Nation, including the tragic loss of two-thirds of their population to disease in the early 17th century.
Earlier this year, the book faced controversy when an anonymous library patron in Montgomery, Texas, successfully pressured the library to move it from the nonfiction to the fiction section. Thankfully, a judge ruled last month that the book must be restored to its rightful place among factual accounts.
Coombs sheds light on how this incident of recategorization echoes the long history of her tribe’s erasure and the persistent efforts to distort the narrative surrounding their experiences. Her insights offer a critical perspective on the importance of accurate representation and the ongoing struggle to ensure that indigenous voices are heard and respected.
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What impact does the reclassification of indigenous literature from nonfiction to fiction have on ancient narratives?
A Wampanoag Voice Speaks: An Interview with Historian Linda Coombs on Recategorizing History and the Fight for Truth
Time.news Editor: Linda,thank you for joining us today. Your book, Colonization and the Wampanoag story, has been the center of recent controversy, particularly regarding its categorization in libraries. Could you start by explaining why the move from nonfiction to fiction was such a significant issue?
linda Coombs: Thank you for having me. The reclassification of my book was significant because it reflects broader historical patterns of erasure and distortion regarding indigenous narratives. When an anonymous patron in montgomery, Texas, successfully pressured a library to move my book to the fiction section, it was not just about the book itself. It was a manifestation of a long-standing struggle were indigenous voices have been silenced or misrepresented. This historical erasure has real consequences, and it’s crucial to have accurate, factual representations of our experiences documented.
Time.news Editor: A recent ruling restored your book to the nonfiction section. What do you see as the implications of this ruling for indigenous storytelling and depiction in literature?
Linda Coombs: The judge’s ruling was a victory for truth and an essential affirmation that indigenous stories are grounded in reality, not fiction. It reinforces the idea that we have a place in the historical narrative that shouldn’t be dismissed or manipulated. This incident can inform the literary world about the importance of categorizing books accurately.It highlights a broader duty to ensure that educators and librarians recognize the value of indigenous literature and allocate space for authentic perspectives.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that your work is intended for middle school readers. Why is it critically importent to introduce young readers to the Wampanoag story and the realities of European colonization?
Linda Coombs: Educating young readers about the Wampanoag story is vital for many reasons. Firstly,it fosters empathy and understanding of the indigenous experience,which is often omitted from standard history curricula.By learning about the devastating impact of colonization, including the tragic loss of two-thirds of our population to disease, young readers can engage with themes of resilience, courage, and the need for justice. If we want to build a more inclusive society, we must provide children with the tools to understand different narratives and the consequences of historical actions.
time.news Editor: What steps can readers take to support indigenous voices and writers today?
Linda Coombs: Ther are several practical steps readers can take. First, support indigenous authors by purchasing their books and sharing their work within your community. Libraries play an essential role, so encourage your local library to include more indigenous literature in their collections. Additionally, engaging in discussions about indigenous history—especially in educational settings—helps to elevate our voices. various platforms, like NPR’s Book of the day+, provide opportunities to discover and support works by indigenous authors. By amplifying these voices, we foster a more balanced and inclusive literary landscape.
time.news Editor: Thank you, Linda, for sharing your insights today. Your work is crucial in redefining how history is understood and remembered.
Linda Coombs: Thank you for highlighting these important issues. I urge everyone to continue seeking the truth and advocating for accurate representation in literature.Together, we can build a more inclusive understanding of history.