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jmacleod's review
4.0
This was surprisingly easier to read than I anticipated. Thomas Kings writing style allows for a lot less formal format. This isn’t a linear storytelling of chronological dates and events.
Rather it comes across as a conversation between yourself and the author. The result is a better understanding of Aboriginal issues and affairs from a perspective that has been often marginalized in the national discussion. Namely those of aboriginal peoples.
I immensely enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it for those who are interested in the issue. And more importantly for those who are not. There are no easy answers at the end, in fact I’m not sure there are answers at all. I do think it provides a good place though to start a meaningful conversation.
Rather it comes across as a conversation between yourself and the author. The result is a better understanding of Aboriginal issues and affairs from a perspective that has been often marginalized in the national discussion. Namely those of aboriginal peoples.
I immensely enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it for those who are interested in the issue. And more importantly for those who are not. There are no easy answers at the end, in fact I’m not sure there are answers at all. I do think it provides a good place though to start a meaningful conversation.
lithograph2's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
This would be best read with at least a baseline understanding of the history of colonisation in Canada and the US- as an Australian, the assumed knowledge was a bit high at times. Still, it was informative, engaging and left me wanting to know more! Highly recommend.
kimcheel's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
beautyflora's review against another edition
Returned to the library. This book is slow paced, although interesting. I plan to pick it back up after I’m finished with my other books
babybijou's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I really enjoyed this book, especially the tone of sarcasm the author used. I read it in audiobook format and the VA was amazing, however I had a bit of a hard time following the timeline. Overall, an excellent book.
paulsnelling's review against another edition
3.0
Some interesting facts which should shame American and Canadian government. The book is written in chatty and in places humorous style which grated, but nevertheless I’m glad I read it. It will inspire me to learn more about the fate of indigenous peoples around the world.
gemasinrock's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
slow-paced
4.75
“In order to maintain the cult and sanctity of the Dead Indian, North America has decided that Live Indians living today cannot be genuine Indians.”
“Dead Indians are dignified, noble, silent, suitably garbed. And dead. Live Indians are invisible, unruly, disappointing. And breathing. One is a romantic reminder of a heroic but fictional past. The other is simply an unpleasant, contemporary surprise.”
“Missionary work in the New World was war. Christianity, in all its varieties, has always been a stakeholder in the business of assimilation, and, in the sixteenth century, it was the initial wound in the side of Native culture. Or, if you want the positive but somewhat callous view, you might wish to describe Christianity as the gateway drug to supply-side capitalism.”
“Teach Indians to fish, but teach them to be Christian fishers. And then you can sell them fishing gear.”
“Racism is endemic in North America. And it’s also systemic. While it affects the general population at large, it’s also buried in the institutions that are supposed to protect us from such abuses.”
“Ignorance has never been the problem. The problem was and continues to be unexamined confidence in western civilization and the unwarranted certainty of Christianity. And arrogance. Perhaps it is unfair to judge the past by the present, but it is also necessary.”
“Dead Indians are dignified, noble, silent, suitably garbed. And dead. Live Indians are invisible, unruly, disappointing. And breathing. One is a romantic reminder of a heroic but fictional past. The other is simply an unpleasant, contemporary surprise.”
“Missionary work in the New World was war. Christianity, in all its varieties, has always been a stakeholder in the business of assimilation, and, in the sixteenth century, it was the initial wound in the side of Native culture. Or, if you want the positive but somewhat callous view, you might wish to describe Christianity as the gateway drug to supply-side capitalism.”
“Teach Indians to fish, but teach them to be Christian fishers. And then you can sell them fishing gear.”
“Racism is endemic in North America. And it’s also systemic. While it affects the general population at large, it’s also buried in the institutions that are supposed to protect us from such abuses.”
“Ignorance has never been the problem. The problem was and continues to be unexamined confidence in western civilization and the unwarranted certainty of Christianity. And arrogance. Perhaps it is unfair to judge the past by the present, but it is also necessary.”
valj's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75