In this book, author Brian Goehring introduces the Indigenous Peoples of the world, describing who they are, where they live, looking at similarities in their history and future challenges. Goehring points out how the Indigenous struggle for self-determination, a land base and an economy which allows for participation on their terms is a world wide phenomena.

Some of the interesting questions answered in this book include: How the debates in 16th century Spain between de Sepulveda and de Las Casas laid the basis for the legal concept of Aboriginal title. How many Bhil and other Indigenous Peoples will be displaced by the Narmada Dam Project? How did Pizarro subjugate the Inca Empire with less than 500 men? Where do the Penan Peoples live?