Lethal Legacy: Current Native Controversies in Canada

by J.R. Miller

Canadians greeted the disruptions in Native-newcomer relations that occasionally erupted during the 1990s with incomprehension. Politicians, journalists, and ordinary citizens understood neither how nor why the crisis of the moment had arisen, much less how its deep historical roots made it resistant to solutions. J.R. Miller believes that it takes a historical understanding of public policy affecting Canadian Natives to truly comprehend the issues and their ramifications. An expert on indigenous-newcomer relations, Miller uses his extensive research from conventional and Native sources to explore and explain the controversial issues facing Canadian Natives today. In five sections this book covers topics such as Native identity, self-government, treaties, attitudes to land and ownership, and assimilation. Miller acknowledges the fact that there are no easy solutions, but argues that greater understanding is the foundation for building successful relations between Natives and non-Natives in Canada.

Genres: History, Academic

328 pages, Paperback

First published April 20, 2004

About the author

J.R. Miller is a professor emeritus of history at the University of Saskatchewan. He is the author of numerous works on issues related to Indigenous peoples including Skyscrapers Hide the Heavens and Shingwauk’s Vision, both published by University of Toronto Press.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good historical account of relations between Natives and newcomers in Canada. Be prepared for it to go in some detail into legal and legislative questions. It's definitely a history that white people in Canada should not be proud of but need to learn more about.