Maine’s high-profile Senate race is in turmoil as candidate Graham Plattner confronts new rape allegations, and federal authorities face accusations of intimidating critics. Meanwhile, concerns over voting rights and historical narratives spark fierce debates from Pennsylvania to the nation’s capital.

Long before America confronted the tragedy of the Indian Removal Act, the Arawaks experienced the painful impact of early colonization. This article reflects on why acknowledging their story—and the stories of other native groups—broadens our perspective of U.S. history.