What do you think?
Rate this book
Breaking Trail
Growing up on the far corners of the furthest reaches of the Vernon reserve, little did Len Marchand - or anyone around him - realize that he would end up spending most of his life in Ottawa. The first elected aboriginal member of parliament in all of Canada, Len Marchand was involved in some of the most exciting, heady days of Canadian politics. Not only was he the first elected native person, he went on to serve as the minister of various portfolios, perhaps his favourite beingthe Ministry of Environment. Here he was able to use his background and education to affect one of the most sensitive issues of the 20th century, the environment.
This is Len's story, and it is a story of courage and hope that should inspire us all. Len Marchand grew up in a society that said people of his background couldn't vote, couldn't buy liquor, couldn't do much of anything without the approval of the Department of Indian Affairs. Yet he overcame all odds and served Canada - this country which relegated his people to second class - faithfully, first as member of parliament and then as senator.
His collaborator, Matt Hughes, is no stranger to politics, having worked as a speech writer on both the provincial and federal level. He has written several books and currently is under contract with Warner Aspect of New York for two thrillers, one of which is completed.
This is Len's story, and it is a story of courage and hope that should inspire us all. Len Marchand grew up in a society that said people of his background couldn't vote, couldn't buy liquor, couldn't do much of anything without the approval of the Department of Indian Affairs. Yet he overcame all odds and served Canada - this country which relegated his people to second class - faithfully, first as member of parliament and then as senator.
His collaborator, Matt Hughes, is no stranger to politics, having worked as a speech writer on both the provincial and federal level. He has written several books and currently is under contract with Warner Aspect of New York for two thrillers, one of which is completed.
Hardcover
First published June 1, 2000
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 19, 2024
A very fair and balanced account of the challenges and achievements of Mr. Marchand.
He generously gave credit where credit was due and found his Residential School experience to be a positive one while recognizing the downsides of everyone being assumed to have lice! He talks about being streamed away from the path to university but when he realized what had happened, he took all of the missing courses in one year and got himself into university.
He never descended into pure negatives while also being clear about things that were systemically not right including the lack of a vote until Mr. Diefenbaker (a Conservative) made that happen.
Another example was a Huron reserve that was doing so well with its businesses that it needed more land. They wanted to negotiate a loan to expand by purchasing 125 acres and were initially told no with no real reason. - clear discrimination. Fortunately, through Mr. Marchand's help the system was challenged and for the first time such a loan was granted. A good news story.
I learned a lot from this book and have a better understanding of the injustice that has been the experience of many FN leaders while also reading about positive changes.
The book ends with a recommendation to FN youth:
"Try as much as you can to hold onto your language and culture, but don't spend your life looking back at what was or dreaming about what might have been."
There is still work to be done but today, Mr. Marchand's son is the Chief Justice of British Columbia so they are both positive role models of success.
He generously gave credit where credit was due and found his Residential School experience to be a positive one while recognizing the downsides of everyone being assumed to have lice! He talks about being streamed away from the path to university but when he realized what had happened, he took all of the missing courses in one year and got himself into university.
He never descended into pure negatives while also being clear about things that were systemically not right including the lack of a vote until Mr. Diefenbaker (a Conservative) made that happen.
Another example was a Huron reserve that was doing so well with its businesses that it needed more land. They wanted to negotiate a loan to expand by purchasing 125 acres and were initially told no with no real reason. - clear discrimination. Fortunately, through Mr. Marchand's help the system was challenged and for the first time such a loan was granted. A good news story.
I learned a lot from this book and have a better understanding of the injustice that has been the experience of many FN leaders while also reading about positive changes.
The book ends with a recommendation to FN youth:
"Try as much as you can to hold onto your language and culture, but don't spend your life looking back at what was or dreaming about what might have been."
There is still work to be done but today, Mr. Marchand's son is the Chief Justice of British Columbia so they are both positive role models of success.
Displaying 1 of 1 review