Peter d'Errico: New book unpacks myths about Native Americans

The Authors' Note makes clear they are using the word in its negative sense. They refer to "myths and stereotypes," saying the "narratives behind those myths" are "lies" and "misperceptions." On the other hand, the antidote they offer to the false narratives involves "reclaiming stolen pasts through scholarship, storytelling, relationship building, and acknowledging our ancestry."

All the Real Indians Died Off thus posits countering stories with other stories, with one set of stories said to be "a more accurate history." This leaves us with a second definitional question: What do we mean by "history"?

The publisher says the book will be out in time for "Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples' Day," The publisher's strikethrough font on Columbus Day plays with the relationship between story and history. Critics of the designation "Columbus Day" attack the ahistorical misconception of "discovering" lands where people already live. Defenders claim the designation reflects an American origin story.

Stories have power, and story telling is a power. Law, literature, politics, religion, and—of course—history all entail story telling. Dunbar-Ortiz and Gilio-Whitaker take on the critical task of exploring the extent to which American history comes entangled with stories—"sacred" and false.