Bob Joseph

This small book is an important read for descendants of settlers in Canada. It explains the history of cultural conflict where one culture believes itself to be superior to the other, is determined to eradicate any trace of the other culture, and in fact, in many cases eradicate not just the culture, but the people themselves.

I read this book in a discussion group and I would recommend others do the same. It leads to some passionate discussion, self-revelation and understanding of present show more inequities and injustices. show less

3.5 stars

This book goes through to explain parts of Canada’s Indian Act, originally created in 1876. Though there have been some updates, much remains. The author also includes, in an appendix, all 94 calls to action in the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Ultimately, though some (Indigenous people) are concerned about ramifications of getting rid of the outdated Indian Act altogether, the author (also Indigenous) believes it should go, and explains why.

Most people don’t know show more much about the Indian Act. I didn’t until earlier this year when I took an extremely comprehensive online (free!) course from the University of Alberta called Indigenous Canada (highly recommended, though it does take a chunk of time). So, I had heard (via that course) a lot of what the author mentions in this book. But that doesn’t mean a reminder wasn’t a good thing, because it is. It’s a short book; it sounds like the author did that on purpose. It’s not super-exciting reading (it’s explaining legal things), but it’s something that Canadians should read and educate themselves about. show less

Personally, I didn't learn much about the Indian Act that I didn't already know. Which isn't a bad thing...there should be more Canadians who understand the extent of Colonialism, as well as its ongoing effects. The examples and explanations of various Indian Act provisions is well written and an excellent reference.

The parts of the book I gained the most from dealt with challenges in dismantling the Indian Act. I also got a better understanding of why some First Nations are leery of doing show more so. I enjoyed the chronology of residential schools and finally read the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

A very important book! show less

This is an excellent guide to the background of the Canadian Indian Act and the consequences its implementation had for Canada's Indigenous people. Joseph is a Status Indian who has written this very readable brief guide to the issues and suggestions on how to improve how our government can rectify its polices towards native people and how to eliminate racism towards Indigenous people in our institutions and by our citizens.