Scan barcode
macho's review against another edition
5.0
It's a compelling, readable memoir. But it's also a wide-ranging history lesson on colonial Canada. And though there can be no roadmaps to effective social and political struggle, the kinds of humble reflections Art offered here on his own lifetime of dedicated and thoughtful struggle amount to the next best thing.
Near the beginning of the book, Art leads with how his experience one summer as a teenager in a Canadian prison led him to realize that prison was basically the same as residential school, only the food was way better. When he returned to residential school that fall he decided to organize a strike against the terrible quality of food. The story of indigenous resistance flows from there as his life unfolds, and also reflects back upon Art's father's life of struggle as one of the most prominent indigenous organizers of the preceding generation.
Near the beginning of the book, Art leads with how his experience one summer as a teenager in a Canadian prison led him to realize that prison was basically the same as residential school, only the food was way better. When he returned to residential school that fall he decided to organize a strike against the terrible quality of food. The story of indigenous resistance flows from there as his life unfolds, and also reflects back upon Art's father's life of struggle as one of the most prominent indigenous organizers of the preceding generation.
yaburrow's review against another edition
5.0
This book is excellent. It covers the history and possible future trajectory of Indigenous activism in Canada, and like his other book, The Reconciliation Manifesto (highly recommended) points out that the reason First Nations are impoverished is because they only have 0.2% of the land in Canada. It also shows how the previous successes in the campaign for Indigenous sovereignty were achieved — by grassroots activism combined with bringing in the international community and international law.
mariamaddalozzo's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
natoushki's review
5.0
A powerful, readable account of Indigenous activism in Canada and Arthur Manuel's (and his fellow activists') tireless fight for Indigenous sovereignty, land, and rights. Manuel writes openly and honestly about his own experiences as an activist, including the toll it took on his own personal life - this vulnerability makes for a particularly impactful read. He also eloquently details the pervasive, intentional, pernicious, consistent violence of the Canadian state against Indigenous peoples. I greatly appreciated this book for its wealth of education & historical documentation (especially since I know very little about Canadian history, let alone Indigenous history). Manuel's conviction and lifelong dedication (https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-aboriginal-leader-arthur-manuel-fought-tirelessly-for-rights/article33679268/) are humbling and inspiring - I highly recommend this book.