Raw Deal: The Indians of the Midwest and the Theft of Native Lands - Hardcoverby Robert Downes (Author) RAW DEAL explores the theft of Native lands by squatters, speculators, unfair treaties and blatant swindles, focusing on the Indians of the Midwest and the Great Lakes. Although Indian lands were paid for with hard cash and services provided by the U. S. government, it was always for pennies per acre, backed by the threat of removal at the point of bayonets, sabers and guns wielded by government troops and violent militias.