21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality

Description

Since its creation in 1876, the Indian Act has dictated and constrained the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, and is at the root of many enduring stereotypes. Bob Joseph's book comes at a key time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo. Joseph examines how Indigenous Peoples can return to self-government, self-determination, and self-reliance--and why doing so would result in a better country for every Canadian. He dissects the complex issues around the Indian Act, and demonstrates why learning about its cruel and irrevocable legacy is vital for the country to move toward true reconciliation. Acknowledgements Introduction The Indian Act Part 1 Dark Chapter 1 The Beginning 2 Resistance Is Futile 3 Tightening Control 4 “They rose against us” 5 And Its Days Are Numbered Part 2 Dismantling the Indian Act 6 If Not the Indian Act, Then What? 7 Looking Forward to a Better Canada Appendix 1: Terminology Appendix 2: Indian Residential Schools: A Chronology Appendix 3: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action Appendix 4: Classroom Activities, Discussion Guide, and Additional Reading Appendix 5: Quotes from John A. Macdonald and Duncan Campbell Scott Notes Index