First Nations 101

by Lynda Gray

First Nations 101 is an informative and opinionated guide to First Nations issues. Written in an accessible style and with a wry sense of humor, Lynda Gray provides readers with a broad overview of the diverse and complex day-to-day realities of Firs Nations people. Jam-packed with information on more than 70 subjects including urbanization, veterans, feminism, appropriate questions to ask a First Nations person, child welfare, the medicine wheel, food access, Two-spirit (LGBT), residential schools, the land bridge theory, National Aboriginal History Month, and language preservation, First Nations 101 endeavors to leave readers with a better understanding of the shared history of First Nations and non-First Nations people. Ultimately, the author calls upon all of us--individuals, communities, and governments--to play active roles in bringing about true reconciliation between First Nations and non-First Nations people.

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction, History, Canada, Anthropology, Education, Historical

275 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Lynda Gray is a member of the Ts'msyen Nation on the Northwest Coast of BC (Gisbutwada / Killerwhale Clan). She was born in Prince Rupert, but has lived in East Vancouver since she was six months old. Lynda is the proud mother of two adult children: Northwest Coast artist Phil Gray and Dr. Robin Gray. She and her children have learned much about their Ts'msyen culture and community from their participation in the Lax Xeen Ts'msyen Dance Group based in Vancouver, BC as well as from attending traditional feasts in Lax Kw'alaams.

Lynda is an active member of the First Nations community. Her work is grounded in a strong belief in community development, youth empowerment, and culture as therapy. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from UBC, served as the Executive Director of the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) for 7 years, and serves on community Boards including the UBC President's Advisory Committee on Aboriginal Issues and the Vancity Community Foundation.

Reviews

[Tessa C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible introduction to and overview of First Nations issues in Canada. It is a phenomenal starting point for those interested in learning more about the history and current status of First Nations people. I found Chapter 2 - Social Control especially informative and appreciated the “Find out more” references at the end of each sections.

[Rod Raglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dispassionate, factual account of cultural genocide against First Nations in Canada.

Residential schools operated in Canada for a hundred years and about one hundred and fifty thousand First Nations children were forcibly removed from their parents and their communities and sent to them. The philosophy of these institutions was to kill the Indian in the child so they could better assimilate into white society.

It’s been well documented, indeed even Prime Minister Trudeau has apologized for the physical, sexual, emotional, and spiritual abuse these children endured for the ten years they were enrolled.

What isn’t understood is that as well as losing a normal childhood they also lost coping mechanisms, trust, a sense of safety and belonging and future parenting skills. For generations there was a cycle of remove children from their family, culture and support systems; shame, punish and abuse them; and then return them to parents who had undergone the same treatment.

If you don’t have this information, and other information about the cultural genocide perpetrated by the Canadian government, supported at least indirectly by the Canadian people than you cannot begin to understand the struggle of First Nations people in Canada.

I didn’t and now I do, thanks to Lynda Gray’s book, First Nations 101.

In a readable and dispassionate voice, Gray, a member of the Tsimshian Nation and Executive Director of the Urban Native Youth Assoc. in Vancouver, Canada, lays it all out and it’s horrific, unjustifiable and unresolved.

Chapters include identity, social control, community issues, fairness and justice, taxation, health and wellness and arts.

Apologies and commissions aside, First Nations still struggle with poverty and discrimination which are born out by statistics including Indigenous adults representing 4.1 percent of the of the total Canadian adult population — but 26 percent of adults in federal custody.

As they begin to recover from the effects of our assimilation policies and decades of intergenerational trauma all they ask is that they receive justice and fairness and for us to get out of their way so they can get on with the healing and rebuilding of their culture.

At the end of the book, Gray describes what needs to be done by the Canadian government and Canadians individually, and First Nations themselves if both sides are really interested in truth and reconciliation.

Reading First Nations 101 is a good first step.

[Danny Aldham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery VAG on January 17, 2020 led me to this book. On the third floor was an exhibition titled ‘Transits and Returns’ a display of Indigenous artist’s work from around the Pacific. Continuing to the fourth floor I found the works of Emily Carr and her inclusion (Some might say appropriation) of First nations themes. My mind opened to learning more as I walked through the VAG gift and bookstore on the way out.
Where to start in this I wondered, when I saw Linda Gray’s ‘First Nations 101’.
There is so much I don’t know. I have vaguely heard of the Residential Schools and know the Canadian government issued an apology. I had heard of the Sixties Scoop, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. But it was all just alluded to in school and the media. Background noise in a busy life and society.
I wanted to know more, but was also worried about learning more. I had good reason to worry.
This book is a wall I ran into. It stopped me cold. It hurt and stunned me. How could the country I had been born and grown up in been so cold and callous to people?
The book imparts a lot of information and history in less than three hundred pages. But I found I had to read it in installment. It is just too bleak and depressing to read in one session. And that was much of what I took away. This problem is far too big for anyone to address. Where do you start?
The last fifty pages felt like a bit of piling on. Ms.Gray was delivering a list of more and more issues that needed attention. My mind disengaged. I was clutching for something positive.
Well, the book closes with some hopeful messages and calls out the work being done by volunteers, athletes, artists and performers, writers and speakers. It is not all bleak. There is hope.
This is a very condensed book that delivers on what I would expect from an entry level course. It left me wanting to know more and I will actively seek out more. This week the North Vancouver Writers association had another presenter who talked about her book, ‘The North-West is our Mother.’ I will read and review that book too.
Linda Gray’s ‘First Nations 101’ is a great introduction to issues that all Canadians should be aware of. Well done.

[Nikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am rather torn with this book. I might add to this review once i have re-read it.
For now:
- I felt that some topics were unnecessary, and could have been sacrificed in order to cover other topics in a less shallow manner.
- I did appreciate the positive, looking-forward attitude, and the guidelines given to readers (despite not agreeing with all of them).

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent quick resource guide for anyone who wants to learn more about Indigenous culture and issues affecting Indigenous people. It is comprehensive and covers several different items. I highly recommend adding it to your library.

[Ana Barrios · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! Support Indigenous writers!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Nations history should be taught in all school and I think this would be a good book to include in the curriculum. This book does an good job of presenting facts and figures in small but effective doses.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential Reading for any Canadian. Truly eye-opening book about the many challenges and hardships that First Nations People suffer today because of the acts of genocide they faced for decades (and continue to face in other ways).

[Kate Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A frank and succinct look into the broader issues facing First Nations in Canada today, First Nations 101 offers an accessible introduction to anybody looking to learn more about Canada's First Peoples. Lynda Gray offers bite-sized breakdowns detailing many different aspects of social struggle in both Canada and the US, as well as listing ways in which anybody can help and learn more about each topic.

While there are some typos and sentences that took a second reading to fully grasp, they didn't impede my ability to understand what was being said. Much of the information was new to me, and the explanation of specific policies and their outcomes paints a very clear picture of the current conditions First Nations experience. The book additionally showcases how Canadian policy has both directly and indirectly caused some of the most challenging and long-standing hurdles for Native communities today, and while at times the topics are difficult to read about, this information is vital in moving forward and building cross-community understanding and support.

[Sarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was one of my assigned readings for a course I'm currently taking.. and I have to say it was an overall good read. The tone of the book was very positive and leading into some very good subjects. That said, I felt like some topics were done with less detail than it should have been as where others seemed to have the same baseline. Nonetheless, it's brought up many topics that lead to discussion and thoughtfulness. I am not Indigenous so I can only say this with my perspective of being in a position of power and privilege of having the opportunity to use the lands and resources of those who come from the land.

[mrqe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be a mandatory read for all residents and newcomers of Canada. Very good and informative overview of all aspects of FN in Canada, history, current issues and how to move forward. This book inspired me to seek more and to learn more about FN. Thank you so much Lynda Gray for opening my eyes. I'm forever grateful I can live, work, play and learn on traditional, unceded territory of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. 🙏

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great intro to a myriad of issues and information about Indigenous peoples in Canada. Eye-opening. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a solid basis for learning more. Minor quibbles with formatting but a second edition just came out which hopefully fixes these so make sure you get that one.

[Reilly Kiff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for work and I’m glad I did so I can recommend it to people. Since I’m fresh out of a liberal arts degree, a lot of the information I learned recently- but it’s a great resource and entry point . I liked how it was written in short, organized chapters . Maybe a little too much opinion for a non fiction book, but I’ll let it slide

[Li Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter can be read independently which is helpful to read what is most important to you at the time.
I like Linda Gray's way of writing. No drama just puts her truth out there supported by references. I love that she added resources to read further and shared her personal journey.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book

This was a great book.

An excellent way to finish off my readings for Indigenous Awareness Week.

I thought this was filled with excellent information everyone should know about First Nations.

Highly recommended.

4.5/5

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A genuine eye opener.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add this to your list of required reading for learning about reconciliation in Canada. Its likely that you were never taught this side of history.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of mini-essays explaining past and current Indigenous issues with a hope of creating a new future.

[Luke Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good litany of talking points for anyone who wants to understand the issues First Nations people face. My only issue is it could have benefited from a proof reader to ensure consistency

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, well documented report card. Enlightening and humbling.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

mandatory textbook for one of my university classes but this was actually a good read. very easy to digest and learned a lot .

[Taryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was of interest to me because Lynda Gray came to my school to do a lecture that I had to attend as a class thing and I was afterwards curious and inspired to find out more. previous to that day I had no idea about First Nations issues and challenges they face. I was surprised by some things, I learned a lot and was captivated by others. Id have to say I enjoyed reading chapter 5 the best. I think anyone would gin and benefit from reading this book - even if its not something you typically read - I say it doesn't hurt to try (ill read anything once ;) )

[Christine]

Loved it! It's a must read!

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about First Nations history and current issues.