Whereas (book)

Whereas is a 2006 novel by Layli Long Soldier, a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation. The book is a collection of poetry, prose, and visual elements that grapple with the United States government's apologies to Native Americans, particularly the 2009 Congressional Resolution.

Long Soldier's work directly confronts the language and meaning (or lack thereof) behind official apologies and legal documents related to historical injustices perpetrated against Native American populations. It examines the limitations and inherent flaws within these apologies, suggesting they often fall short of genuine reconciliation or substantive change. The book's structure is notable for its unconventional format, incorporating diverse textual forms and visual representations to challenge traditional notions of narrative and poetic expression.

The title, Whereas, itself references the formal language frequently used in legal and governmental documents to introduce clauses and explanations. By adopting this term, Long Soldier draws attention to the power dynamics inherent in official discourse and the ways in which language can be employed to obfuscate or minimize the impact of past actions.

The themes explored in Whereas include historical trauma, the complexities of language and translation, the impact of government policies on Native American communities, and the search for meaningful ways to address historical injustices. It is a significant contribution to Native American literature and contemporary poetry, known for its experimental form, critical engagement with government language, and powerful exploration of identity and history.