Presents the ways in which mixed-blood urban Natives understand their identities. This book presents the Canadian government's efforts to define Native identity by means of the Indian Act and shows how policies such as residential schooling, loss of official Indian status, and adoption have affected Native identity.

Drawing on her interviews with urban Natives, she describes the devastating loss of community that has resulted from identity legislation and how urban Native peoples have wrestled with their past and current identities. Lawrence also addresses the future and explores the forms of nation building that can reconcile the differences in experiences and distinct agendas of urban and reserve-based Native communities. Bonita Lawrence is an assistant professor of women's studies and Native studies at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. She recently co-edited (with Kim Anderson) "Strong Women Stories: Native Vision and Community Survival".