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

I have a deep hope for Canada that there can be reconciliation. I want every Canadian to imagine a Canada in which every person will live with dignity, value, and purpose. But to do that, there must be reflection on our shared history and the harmful periods and events that continue to haunt us as a nation. Understanding the Indian Act is fundamental to understanding why those harmful periods and events took place. Bob Josephs book is an invaluable tool for Canadians who want to understand the past in order to contribute to reconciliation in our country.

Chief Dr. Robert Joseph , OBC , Ambassador, Reconciliation Canada

From declaring cultural ceremonies illegal to prohibiting pool hall owners from granting Indigenous Peoples entrance, from forbidding the speaking of Indigenous languages to the devastating policy that created residential schools, Bob Joseph reveals the hold this paternalistic act, with its roots in the 1800s, still has on the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada in the twenty-first century. This straightforward book is an invaluable resource. There is much for non-Indigenous people to learn and to do. But equally important, there is much to unlearn and to undo. The time is right for this book. Thank you, Bob Joseph. Gilakasla.

Shelagh Rogers , OC , Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Honorary Witness

Increasing Canadians knowledge about the terrible foundation this country has been built on is a critical part of reconciliation. Bob Joseph has highlighted some of the unbelievable provisions of the Indian Act and how they have impacted First Nations in Canada, and gives a brief overview of what we may replace it with going forward. His book provides helpful context to the dialogue that needs to take place in Canada.

Kim Baird , OC , OBC , Owner, Kim Baird Strategic Consulting; Member of the Tsawwassen First Nation and Negotiator of the Tsawwassen First Nation Treaty

Bob Joseph, one of the pre-eminent instructors in Canada on how to develop positive relations with Indigenous Peoples, has written a must-read book for business leaders. His straightforward writing style paints a picture so that all Canadians can appreciate the draconian and oppressive nature of the countrys most racist legislation. The book identifies restrictions that range from laughableprohibiting First Nations Peoples from entering pool hallsto sinisterforbidding First Nations Peoples from practising their traditional beliefs and speaking their language. If you want to work with First Nations communities, read this book.

Clint Davis , Partner and Managing Director, ACASTA Capital Indigenous

Bob Joseph provides an incredible glimpse into the lengths the Canadian government took to limit Indigenous Peoples from achieving health, wealth, and cultural connections through the Indian Act. That much of this is still legal today is baffling, as he provides examples of how assimilation at all costs is still the end goal of the Indian Act. Canada still has much work to do to achieve reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and, as Bob says, to dismantle the Indian Act once and for all.

Ginger Gosnell-Myers , Manager, Aboriginal Relations, City of Vancouver

Bob Josephs ability to navigate the complex history of the Indian Act is a wonder to behold. He provides depth and knowledge for Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars alike. His articulate, insightful and comprehensive analysis on the history of the Indian Act provides a sound understanding of the present narrative of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This book provides an excellent analysis of the ongoing relationship and predicament between provincial and federal governments and Indigenous Peoples in the twenty-first century.

J.P. Gladu , President and CEO , Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business

though they killed us

we live

they put us down

yet we stand

they deny

but there is truth

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