Ronald Niezen is Professor of Anthropology and Canada Research Chair at McGill University. He has a wide range of international research experience, including work with the UN Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Arctic Council. His publications include Defending the Land: Sovereignty and Forest Life in James Bay Cree Society, 2nd edition (2008) and The Rediscovered Self: Indigenous Identity and Cultural Justice (2009).

'In sum, this is a provocative and important book that makes a significant shift in the way we understand human rights, moving from a law frame to one that emphasizes communication, the construction of broad systems of understanding, and the role of amorphous and unknowable public.' Sally Merry, New York University

• Preface; 1. The imagined order; 2. The power of persons unknown; 3. Cultural lobbying; 4. The invention of indigenous peoples; 5. Civilizing a divided world; 6. Reconciliation; 7. Juridification.

Ronald Niezen is Professor of Anthropology and Canada Research Chair at McGill University. He has a wide range of international research experience, including work with the UN Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Arctic Council. His publications include Defending the Land: Sovereignty and Forest Life in James Bay Cree Society, 2nd edition (2008) and The Rediscovered Self: Indigenous Identity and Cultural Justice (2009).

'In sum, this is a provocative and important book that makes a significant shift in the way we understand human rights, moving from a law frame to one that emphasizes communication, the construction of broad systems of understanding, and the role of amorphous and unknowable public.' Sally Merry, New York University

• Preface; 1. The imagined order; 2. The power of persons unknown; 3. Cultural lobbying; 4. The invention of indigenous peoples; 5. Civilizing a divided world; 6. Reconciliation; 7. Juridification.

Ronald Niezen is Professor of Anthropology and Canada Research Chair at McGill University. He has a wide range of international research experience, including work with the UN Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Arctic Council. His publications include Defending the Land: Sovereignty and Forest Life in James Bay Cree Society, 2nd edition (2008) and The Rediscovered Self: Indigenous Identity and Cultural Justice (2009).

'In sum, this is a provocative and important book that makes a significant shift in the way we understand human rights, moving from a law frame to one that emphasizes communication, the construction of broad systems of understanding, and the role of amorphous and unknowable public.' Sally Merry, New York University

• Preface; 1. The imagined order; 2. The power of persons unknown; 3. Cultural lobbying; 4. The invention of indigenous peoples; 5. Civilizing a divided world; 6. Reconciliation; 7. Juridification.