What do you think?
Rate this book
The Comeback
Aboriginal peoples of Canada have been making a remarkable comeback from a terrifyingly low point of population, legal respect, and stability. This is a comeback to a position of power, influence, and creativity in Canadian civilization.
John Ralston Saul argues that historic moments are always uncomfortable. The events that began late in 2012 with the Idle No More movement were not just a rough patch in Aboriginal relations with the rest of Canada. What is happening today in Aboriginal-white relations is not about guilt, sympathy, or failure, or romanticizing a view of the past. It is about citizens’ rights. It is about rebuilding relationships that were central to the creation of Canada and, equally important, central to its continued existence. Canadians are faced with the potential for those relationships to open up a more creative and accurate way of imagining ourselves, a different narrative for Canada in which we all share obligations as a society.
Wide in scope but piercing in detail, The Comeback presents a powerful portrait of modern Aboriginal life in Canada in contrast to the perceived failings, often portrayed in media, that Canadians have become accustomed to. Once again, Saul presents an unfamiliar story of Canada’s past so that we may better understand its present—and imagine a better future.
John Ralston Saul argues that historic moments are always uncomfortable. The events that began late in 2012 with the Idle No More movement were not just a rough patch in Aboriginal relations with the rest of Canada. What is happening today in Aboriginal-white relations is not about guilt, sympathy, or failure, or romanticizing a view of the past. It is about citizens’ rights. It is about rebuilding relationships that were central to the creation of Canada and, equally important, central to its continued existence. Canadians are faced with the potential for those relationships to open up a more creative and accurate way of imagining ourselves, a different narrative for Canada in which we all share obligations as a society.
Wide in scope but piercing in detail, The Comeback presents a powerful portrait of modern Aboriginal life in Canada in contrast to the perceived failings, often portrayed in media, that Canadians have become accustomed to. Once again, Saul presents an unfamiliar story of Canada’s past so that we may better understand its present—and imagine a better future.
294 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2014
27 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
John Ralston Saul
57 books229 followersJohn Ralston Saul is a Canadian writer, essayist, and public intellectual best known for his provocative works on themes such as individualism, citizenship, democracy, globalization, and the role of the public intellectual. His books, widely translated and read around the world, challenge conventional economic and political thinking and advocate for civic responsibility and ethical governance. A celebrated critic of technocratic and corporatist ideologies, Saul is often recognized for his passionate defense of the public good and his deep belief in the transformative power of engaged citizenship.
Born in Ottawa, Saul was educated in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. He holds a PhD from King’s College London, where he focused on the modernization of France during the Algerian War. Early in his career, he worked in both the corporate world and in diplomacy, notably serving as an assistant to André Malraux, the famed French novelist and minister. These experiences informed his understanding of the interplay between power, culture, and politics, which would later become central to his writing.
Saul first gained international attention with his 1988 philosophical novel Voltaire’s Bastards: The Dictatorship of Reason in the West, a critique of how rationality, while necessary, had been distorted into a cold, managerial ideology disconnected from ethics, culture, and human values. The book, and subsequent works like The Unconscious Civilization and The Doubter’s Companion, positioned him as a leading voice in what he called “responsible humanism”—a worldview that values reason but insists it be balanced by intuition, memory, and imagination.
His 2008 book A Fair Country: Telling Truths About Canada argued that Canada’s political culture is deeply shaped by Indigenous values, particularly egalitarianism, negotiation, and mutual respect. The book challenged traditional Eurocentric narratives and emphasized the need for a new national conversation built on inclusion and reconciliation. This work reflects Saul’s long-standing commitment to Indigenous issues in Canada, which has also shaped his public advocacy.
Saul served as president of PEN International, the global writers’ organization, from 2009 to 2015, where he championed freedom of expression and supported writers under threat around the world. He is also the longtime companion and husband of Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada, and served as her close advisor during her tenure from 1999 to 2005.
His many awards include the Governor General’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction, the Pablo Neruda Medal, and the Canada Council Molson Prize. Saul is also a Companion of the Order of Canada and a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France.
Through his essays, novels, lectures, and international work, John Ralston Saul has established himself as one of Canada’s foremost thinkers—a defender of thoughtful dissent and a persistent voice for a more just, inclusive, and imaginative society. His work continues to influence debates on democracy, culture, and civic engagement both in Canada and abroad.
Born in Ottawa, Saul was educated in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom. He holds a PhD from King’s College London, where he focused on the modernization of France during the Algerian War. Early in his career, he worked in both the corporate world and in diplomacy, notably serving as an assistant to André Malraux, the famed French novelist and minister. These experiences informed his understanding of the interplay between power, culture, and politics, which would later become central to his writing.
Saul first gained international attention with his 1988 philosophical novel Voltaire’s Bastards: The Dictatorship of Reason in the West, a critique of how rationality, while necessary, had been distorted into a cold, managerial ideology disconnected from ethics, culture, and human values. The book, and subsequent works like The Unconscious Civilization and The Doubter’s Companion, positioned him as a leading voice in what he called “responsible humanism”—a worldview that values reason but insists it be balanced by intuition, memory, and imagination.
His 2008 book A Fair Country: Telling Truths About Canada argued that Canada’s political culture is deeply shaped by Indigenous values, particularly egalitarianism, negotiation, and mutual respect. The book challenged traditional Eurocentric narratives and emphasized the need for a new national conversation built on inclusion and reconciliation. This work reflects Saul’s long-standing commitment to Indigenous issues in Canada, which has also shaped his public advocacy.
Saul served as president of PEN International, the global writers’ organization, from 2009 to 2015, where he championed freedom of expression and supported writers under threat around the world. He is also the longtime companion and husband of Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada, and served as her close advisor during her tenure from 1999 to 2005.
His many awards include the Governor General’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction, the Pablo Neruda Medal, and the Canada Council Molson Prize. Saul is also a Companion of the Order of Canada and a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France.
Through his essays, novels, lectures, and international work, John Ralston Saul has established himself as one of Canada’s foremost thinkers—a defender of thoughtful dissent and a persistent voice for a more just, inclusive, and imaginative society. His work continues to influence debates on democracy, culture, and civic engagement both in Canada and abroad.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 4, 2016
John Ralston Saul reminds us, with an eloquence that few can equal, what we owe to Aboriginal Peoples of Canada are legal rights not our sympathy.
While many Canadians seems taken aback by the rise of Aboriginal rights to the forefront of Canadian political discourse, what is happening today is not about guilt or sympathy. It's not about a romantic view of the past, nor is it an effort to prop up either a peoples or a culture that can't make it on their own. Canada, through the Honour of the Crown, committed ourselves to the permanency of our relationship with the words that the treaties signed with those who first held these lands would stand “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows”. Our historic failure in upholding these words in no way delimits the legitimacy of those treaties as binding legal documents. Despite our reckless history, Aboriginal peoples and cultures have moved from resilience to strength. This is our opportunity as a Nation to create a new narrative for Canada. One built upon reconciliation that will open up relationships, recreate and, ultimately, improve us - in the most inclusive sense - and our country.
The Comeback is really about justice and fairness. It's about the Canada that we could be. Five stars.
While many Canadians seems taken aback by the rise of Aboriginal rights to the forefront of Canadian political discourse, what is happening today is not about guilt or sympathy. It's not about a romantic view of the past, nor is it an effort to prop up either a peoples or a culture that can't make it on their own. Canada, through the Honour of the Crown, committed ourselves to the permanency of our relationship with the words that the treaties signed with those who first held these lands would stand “as long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows”. Our historic failure in upholding these words in no way delimits the legitimacy of those treaties as binding legal documents. Despite our reckless history, Aboriginal peoples and cultures have moved from resilience to strength. This is our opportunity as a Nation to create a new narrative for Canada. One built upon reconciliation that will open up relationships, recreate and, ultimately, improve us - in the most inclusive sense - and our country.
The Comeback is really about justice and fairness. It's about the Canada that we could be. Five stars.
October 18, 2018
Interesting topic; mediocre book. I don't believe it's necessarily the case that a non-Indigenous author can't cover these issues, but this book is a really good why people roll their eyes at it. For a book that claims to be about the action, agency, and **comeback** of Indigenous people, most of it is about what the government is doing to them and musings about how democracy is Supposed To (TM) work. Idle No More is mentioned, but very few of their actions or aims are really covered. He talks how the news misrepresents the disagreement between Chiefs, but not what exactly what those disagreements are. He talks about tropes and narratives grafted by white Canadians onto their people, but not what their communities are like or how they really operate. He's in no shortage of names of Indigenous authors, activists, lawyers, leaders, and youth he likes and knows, and maybe that's supposed to impress me since he's a white guy, but I couldn't tell you after reading this what any of their work is pushing toward. There's a lot of talk these days about "decolonization," but I've always been puzzled about what exactly that means. All I wanted is the most basic understanding of Indigenous political action. I find myself no more educated after reading this book.
That's what the book lacks. What it contains are:
1) Long lists of Indigenous names
2) Escalating lists rhetorical questions posed as obvious
3) "Noble savage" type stuff where he asserts everything positive about Canada was inspired by Indigenous culture (what?)
4) Considers everything bad happening the result of the "Western mindset" and thinks if we were just less racist poverty and homelessness wouldn't exist (no material or economic analysis)
5) Lamenting the good old days when government represented the people, you know? When was that again?
Any real details about Indigenous activism just excite you for reading a better book. All I'm left with is what I already know: the state is trash. I just want to know what to do about it.
That's what the book lacks. What it contains are:
1) Long lists of Indigenous names
2) Escalating lists rhetorical questions posed as obvious
3) "Noble savage" type stuff where he asserts everything positive about Canada was inspired by Indigenous culture (what?)
4) Considers everything bad happening the result of the "Western mindset" and thinks if we were just less racist poverty and homelessness wouldn't exist (no material or economic analysis)
5) Lamenting the good old days when government represented the people, you know? When was that again?
Any real details about Indigenous activism just excite you for reading a better book. All I'm left with is what I already know: the state is trash. I just want to know what to do about it.
December 21, 2015
There is no question that this book should be read by most Canadians. John Ralston Saul makes a passionate case for resolving the issues facing First Nations people and not just for the sake of the First Nations. The Canadian government - Canadians - need to move forward in a positive way. These issues have been smoldering for too long, and the second half of the book which are excerpts from various speeches dealing with the issue from the Royal Proclamation of 1763 to the present, make that abundantly clear.
My one complaint: While the book is very good on the why it should be resolved, there isn't a whole lot of detail on the "what" and "how". Of course that will be part of the process when governments get around to seriously negotiate terms with First Nations leaders.
One topic that I found particularly interesting was Saul's discussion of the way politics are currently managed and how that has made resolution that much more difficult. According to Saul governments now run for election to get power (as opposed to authority) to make decisions. In other words, once in power, the government feels it can do anything it wants rather than to consider what is right or just. They pass large omnibus bills, leaving little time for debate. As a result, the public suffers a disconnect and feels that the only recourse is street demonstrations, like Idle No More.
He claims that democracy has always been messy and while there is nothing inherently wrong with street demonstrations, it would be more efficient for governments to take the time to debate and argue and compromise before the anger and frustration bubble over.
My one complaint: While the book is very good on the why it should be resolved, there isn't a whole lot of detail on the "what" and "how". Of course that will be part of the process when governments get around to seriously negotiate terms with First Nations leaders.
One topic that I found particularly interesting was Saul's discussion of the way politics are currently managed and how that has made resolution that much more difficult. According to Saul governments now run for election to get power (as opposed to authority) to make decisions. In other words, once in power, the government feels it can do anything it wants rather than to consider what is right or just. They pass large omnibus bills, leaving little time for debate. As a result, the public suffers a disconnect and feels that the only recourse is street demonstrations, like Idle No More.
He claims that democracy has always been messy and while there is nothing inherently wrong with street demonstrations, it would be more efficient for governments to take the time to debate and argue and compromise before the anger and frustration bubble over.
July 27, 2016
I cannot recommended this book highly enough. it should be purchased in bulk and mailed to every household in Canada, settlers and First Nations alike. Intended to be a series of short, digestible essays on the state of relationships between FN and settlers, this took me 6 weeks to read because there was too much concentrated wisdom to easily process. How to be a partner in the most important work in Canada.
June 10, 2016
This is more of a practical manual to improving the condition of indigenous communities in Canada than a broad philosophical reflection on their position (which Saul did accomplish in A Fair Country). Nonetheless this is a very urgent call to action to bring First Nations people into the fold and to drop our decidedly colonial approach to their issues. They are not just Canadians but people who have a unique worldview which was formative to Canada's own decidedly unique national character. The approach the country takes to its native population - the fastest growing population in the country - will decide whether Canada has something interesting to contribute to the 21st century or will fall back into a colonial inferiority complex.
March 6, 2021
There's a bit of intellectual hocus pocus going on in his arguments, however he is on the right side of history. Not in a phony, faux-"woke" way in which someone issues similar sentiments then turns around and says they're afraid to drive downtown. Rather, in a genuine, let's sit down and really think about this way.
He thinks the role of state vs citizen, especially vis-a-vis the Throne almost as a constitutional lawyer would. I'm glad this book exists. There has to be a way forward that works for everyone. Keeping our original peoples down cannot be how Canada enriches itself, practically and spiritually. Let's do better here, honestly.
He thinks the role of state vs citizen, especially vis-a-vis the Throne almost as a constitutional lawyer would. I'm glad this book exists. There has to be a way forward that works for everyone. Keeping our original peoples down cannot be how Canada enriches itself, practically and spiritually. Let's do better here, honestly.
December 1, 2023
Had to read this for my indigenous studies class. But it was very captivating and clearly highlighted the issues in current canadian society that need to be addressed, acknowledged and solved.
October 18, 2020
John Ralston Saul's The Comeback is a wasted opportunity. I'm probably the perfect audience for this book but I still gained almost nothing from reading it.
I grew up in a typical waspy Canadian, Native-hating family that casually spewed holier-than-thou racism. Yes, I was ignorant and yes, I believed some horrible things. And honestly, I still believe some horrible things, but most of that has to do with misanthropy and not racism. Over the past decade I've made a conscious effort to de-program myself from believing the anti-Indigenous beliefs that are common in my corner of suburbia.
So The Comeback should've been perfect, right? According to the synopsis, the point of this book is to "call on all of us to embrace and support the comeback of Aboriginal peoples." But the entire thing reads like a repetitive personal essay. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT BAD. Yes, I already knew that without reading 250 pages. Saul's writing is superficial. He mentions historical events or Indigenous leaders without giving much (or any) meaningful context. Most of the chapters felt samey and lacking in purpose (aside from the one on northern Canada, which was still superficial but at least felt unique).
There are a few valuable ideas that I want to commend:
-First chapter: explicitly states that white guilt is not productive. As someone who has been meant to feel A LOT of white guilt, this was a breath of fresh air. (Side note: I wish that the author offered some sort of alternative to white guilt. How to be an Indigenous ally? This is something that continues to elude me. His only concrete suggestion is laughably facile: vote! Vote for someone who prioritizes Indigenous rights. Uhhh...okay, Mr. Saul. My area has been a Conservative stronghold since forever, and voting is entirely pointless even if there were a candidate who cared about Indigenous rights).
-Mentions of how neoliberalism has a "divide and conquer" mentality that screws us all.
-Implies that Indigenous ideas will become accepted once society realizes how badly capitalism has ruined our lives and environments.
-The "Other People's Words" section. Okay, before I praise too much, can I just mention how garbage most of this book is? When you pick it up, it seems like a decently-sized read. But the Index is 7 pages, end Notes are 10 pages, and Other Peoples' Words—which is exactly what it sounds like—is 85 pages (almost ONE THIRD of the entire text). So two thirds of the book is Saul's bland essay, and the last third is the only one that's actually interesting, and it isn't even his! He includes words from English colonizers and historic and contemporary Indigenous leaders. I still can't decide if this is a great example of a white guy being accepted as an Indigenous ally, or just an ironic example of colonialism: a white guy taking Indigenous ideas for his own profit. Whatever it is, it was interesting to see Indigenous issues brought up from their perspective. It's by far the most convincing part of The Comeback.
I'm not even sure if this book is worthy of two stars. Most of the "big ideas" that resonated with me were only implied or briefly touched on. Instead of reading The Comeback, it would've been better to search out the speeches and writings of Indigenous leaders.
I grew up in a typical waspy Canadian, Native-hating family that casually spewed holier-than-thou racism. Yes, I was ignorant and yes, I believed some horrible things. And honestly, I still believe some horrible things, but most of that has to do with misanthropy and not racism. Over the past decade I've made a conscious effort to de-program myself from believing the anti-Indigenous beliefs that are common in my corner of suburbia.
So The Comeback should've been perfect, right? According to the synopsis, the point of this book is to "call on all of us to embrace and support the comeback of Aboriginal peoples." But the entire thing reads like a repetitive personal essay. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT BAD. Yes, I already knew that without reading 250 pages. Saul's writing is superficial. He mentions historical events or Indigenous leaders without giving much (or any) meaningful context. Most of the chapters felt samey and lacking in purpose (aside from the one on northern Canada, which was still superficial but at least felt unique).
There are a few valuable ideas that I want to commend:
-First chapter: explicitly states that white guilt is not productive. As someone who has been meant to feel A LOT of white guilt, this was a breath of fresh air. (Side note: I wish that the author offered some sort of alternative to white guilt. How to be an Indigenous ally? This is something that continues to elude me. His only concrete suggestion is laughably facile: vote! Vote for someone who prioritizes Indigenous rights. Uhhh...okay, Mr. Saul. My area has been a Conservative stronghold since forever, and voting is entirely pointless even if there were a candidate who cared about Indigenous rights).
-Mentions of how neoliberalism has a "divide and conquer" mentality that screws us all.
-Implies that Indigenous ideas will become accepted once society realizes how badly capitalism has ruined our lives and environments.
-The "Other People's Words" section. Okay, before I praise too much, can I just mention how garbage most of this book is? When you pick it up, it seems like a decently-sized read. But the Index is 7 pages, end Notes are 10 pages, and Other Peoples' Words—which is exactly what it sounds like—is 85 pages (almost ONE THIRD of the entire text). So two thirds of the book is Saul's bland essay, and the last third is the only one that's actually interesting, and it isn't even his! He includes words from English colonizers and historic and contemporary Indigenous leaders. I still can't decide if this is a great example of a white guy being accepted as an Indigenous ally, or just an ironic example of colonialism: a white guy taking Indigenous ideas for his own profit. Whatever it is, it was interesting to see Indigenous issues brought up from their perspective. It's by far the most convincing part of The Comeback.
I'm not even sure if this book is worthy of two stars. Most of the "big ideas" that resonated with me were only implied or briefly touched on. Instead of reading The Comeback, it would've been better to search out the speeches and writings of Indigenous leaders.
November 20, 2019
After reading King's "The Inconvenient Indian" I picked this book up thinking it would be more of an insight of the aboriginal experience, specifically in Canada, and how the country can help fix the social injustices of the past and today. Even the title 'The Comeback' hints about how these nations are making a resurgence and making themselves heard. Unfortunately I found that a majority of this book is focused on how the Courts are these great defenders of aboriginal rights and agents of social changes and how the Federal Government, and by extension us, need to see where the wind is beginning to blow and stop being an obstacle.
I think the author uses this argument in every single chapter. As a political statement it really fall flat considering how the Courts, especially in British Colombia, ruled against First Nation on a range of issues, from the Oil Pipeline and their role in Government, in the past couple of years.
The issue Saul rises are incredibly important and he is correct when he talks about how we deal with this now will define us in the future. We all have a role to play in removing obstacles that have been placed in front of marginalized groups in society, but I did not feel like this book really gave me an idea about how to do that.
If you are interested in the aboriginal experience in Canada, I believe that there are other books that would be a better introduction then this one, but you will get something out of it when you read it.
I think the author uses this argument in every single chapter. As a political statement it really fall flat considering how the Courts, especially in British Colombia, ruled against First Nation on a range of issues, from the Oil Pipeline and their role in Government, in the past couple of years.
The issue Saul rises are incredibly important and he is correct when he talks about how we deal with this now will define us in the future. We all have a role to play in removing obstacles that have been placed in front of marginalized groups in society, but I did not feel like this book really gave me an idea about how to do that.
If you are interested in the aboriginal experience in Canada, I believe that there are other books that would be a better introduction then this one, but you will get something out of it when you read it.
December 2, 2014
As I was reading John Ralston Saul’s brief but very important book The Comeback I felt more and more that something seemed familiar, particularly in the final section in which Saul reprints the words of a number of Indigenous thinkers. As I finished up, I realized that I was recognizing a strong parallel to historian of religion Mircea Eliade’s uncomfortably dated but still important The Myth of the Eternal Return, also known as Cosmos and History. To me, that strong parallel could point out a key patch of common ground shared by the settler population and the original peoples of what we call Canada. . . .
The rest of my rambling is here: https://behindthehedge.wordpress.com/...
The rest of my rambling is here: https://behindthehedge.wordpress.com/...
July 3, 2015
John Ralston Saul shows once again that he is one of the world's most original thinkers and presents a uniquely compelling perspective on the relationship between Canada's aboriginals and non-aboriginals.
In his own and others' words, he lays out the history of broken promises and bureaucratic or needlessly litigious foot-dragging by every Canadian government while making his case for reconciliation, which Saul sees as a verb, a process rather than a gesture or photo-op.
Many people in the West look to the East for non-linear holistic philosophy. We needn't do that. It was here before us if we'd listened.
In his own and others' words, he lays out the history of broken promises and bureaucratic or needlessly litigious foot-dragging by every Canadian government while making his case for reconciliation, which Saul sees as a verb, a process rather than a gesture or photo-op.
Many people in the West look to the East for non-linear holistic philosophy. We needn't do that. It was here before us if we'd listened.
November 12, 2016
I was worried about this being a long pontificating essay but it turned out to be an earnest plea for sanity and justice in reconciliation. I've sat through lectures by Saul in the past but this wasn't like those. He provides a well crafted and we'll documented conversation on how the relationship with Indigenous people went so wrong and is plain on how we need to collectively get back on track. The only thing I wish he had spent more time on is some reflection on how to respond to that part of the settler population which so opposes 'freebies' for the First People.
July 11, 2020
Excellent book
Author has outlined many excellent observations and examples of settler continuing mistakes in dealing with Canadian First Nations. He also brings to our attention the damage we have done to our fellow Canadians, and more importantly, has provided excellent ways in which we can begin to right the wrongs perpetrated. In addition, he demonstrates the urgency we have to correct the wrongs.
Author has outlined many excellent observations and examples of settler continuing mistakes in dealing with Canadian First Nations. He also brings to our attention the damage we have done to our fellow Canadians, and more importantly, has provided excellent ways in which we can begin to right the wrongs perpetrated. In addition, he demonstrates the urgency we have to correct the wrongs.
July 12, 2021
Canadians like me need to learn the real history of Canada, not just the mythology taught in high school. This book, at times heartbreaking but also hopeful for the future, offers an accessible entry into that history as well as some ideas on how we might move forward. The final third of the book, titled "Other People's Voices", excerpts the writings of Indigenous and Metis leaders and is especially inspiring.
February 2, 2015
A very important book about the extraordinary "comeback" of Canada's Aboriginal communities. Building on his brilliantly original previous book -- A Fair Country -- Saul scathingly denounces Canadian politicians and bureaucrats and, yet, identifies an idealistic path for an optimistic future. A must-read for anyone interested in public policy and one of the central issues of our times.
January 12, 2015
This book is a fantastic introduction to those learning about the issues that Aboriginal people in Canada have faced for the first time; also, it's great as well if you are Aboriginal and are looking for a hard cover source from a western source for essays.
July 7, 2018
Recommended and smart writing once again from Saul. This is a must read to gain a needed perspective.
April 6, 2023
While The Comeback is rooted in the era of the Harper government, it's definitely still useful today and provides an interesting commentary on the relationship between Indigenous communities and white people in Canada- specifically regarding the honour of the crown, treaty violations, differences between white and Indigenous worldviews, and potential ways for white people to engage in ongoing decolonization and indigenization efforts within Canada that have been led by Indigenous peoples for generations.
It's a book written from a white perspective (for other white readers, from what I could tell), so it's good to keep this in mind if you're interested in picking this book up. Saul frames Indigenous history within Canada & the current issues facing Indigenous activists in a way that's arguably enlightening for all white people- specifically those who are unfamiliar with Indigenous history and occasionally engage in bad faith arguments about Indigenous communities needing to fix their own problems/colonialism being a problem of the past. It clearly lays out government inaction and the government's intentional discrimination against Indigenous communities, which I found to be especially valuable.
Have a white relative that constantly complains about substance abuse within Indigenous communities (which they have never stepped foot in) or one that says that Indigenous people just need to try harder to solve their problems (like decades of unsafe drinking water or inhuman living conditions that would be fixed by the government in white communities before you could blink)? The Comeback is definitely a good way to figure out how to articulate arguments that you may already have swirling around in your head, but haven't been able to figure out how to say. Saul lays things out very neatly, with relatively short chapters and an informal style that removes a lot of barriers that normally exist in academic articles or historical texts.
Overall, it's worth checking out if you're at all interested in how the Canadian government has mistreated/continues to mistreat Indigenous communities, and potential ways for Canada to move forward. Definitely not perfect, but it's a great starting point for those looking to dive into the political relations between the Canadian government and Indigenous people.
It's a book written from a white perspective (for other white readers, from what I could tell), so it's good to keep this in mind if you're interested in picking this book up. Saul frames Indigenous history within Canada & the current issues facing Indigenous activists in a way that's arguably enlightening for all white people- specifically those who are unfamiliar with Indigenous history and occasionally engage in bad faith arguments about Indigenous communities needing to fix their own problems/colonialism being a problem of the past. It clearly lays out government inaction and the government's intentional discrimination against Indigenous communities, which I found to be especially valuable.
Have a white relative that constantly complains about substance abuse within Indigenous communities (which they have never stepped foot in) or one that says that Indigenous people just need to try harder to solve their problems (like decades of unsafe drinking water or inhuman living conditions that would be fixed by the government in white communities before you could blink)? The Comeback is definitely a good way to figure out how to articulate arguments that you may already have swirling around in your head, but haven't been able to figure out how to say. Saul lays things out very neatly, with relatively short chapters and an informal style that removes a lot of barriers that normally exist in academic articles or historical texts.
Overall, it's worth checking out if you're at all interested in how the Canadian government has mistreated/continues to mistreat Indigenous communities, and potential ways for Canada to move forward. Definitely not perfect, but it's a great starting point for those looking to dive into the political relations between the Canadian government and Indigenous people.
September 10, 2017
I enjoy Ralston Saul's clear writing. He takes readers through what has historically happened with Aboriginal people in Canada up to and including the "Idle no More" movement. He notes we need to own what has occurred and not put it on history or government or others. It is a sad history that needs to be acknowledged and dealt with.
May 15, 2021
Reality check and wake up. A litany of examples plus the extremely articulate and consistent message from Indigenous leaders, historical and contemporary.
"...What this means is that our governments should stop wasting our money fighting to maintain systems of injustice."
"...What this means is that our governments should stop wasting our money fighting to maintain systems of injustice."
March 11, 2018
"Where did we go?" - An Ukwehu:we reader of this book
August 30, 2021
One of the more educational rants I've ever read in book form.
Tip: Imagine Lewis Black at a rage level of 80% reading this to you.
Tip: Imagine Lewis Black at a rage level of 80% reading this to you.
August 23, 2022
very well written - finger on the pulse of contemporary political and social trends for Indigenous empowerment as co-resident nation within the Canadiancontainer
December 22, 2022
An important look at the increasing agency of First Nations in Canada.
March 24, 2017
Interesting stories about the canadian first nations.
January 2, 2024
I feel like this is a book written for white people.
March 20, 2017
3.5 stars. Saul brilliantly unravels the operative Euro-centric and imperial mindset of the Canadian government historically towards Aboriginal peoples. He weaves historical evidence, critical philosophy, and emotionally-charged polemic to show us the contradictions and injustices of our modern society. It is both enlightening and disturbing to learn how much everyday, administrative politics and the belief systems that flow from it can produce so much harm, implicating both politicians and the ordinary citizen alike. Grounding Aboriginal problems not merely in economic and utilitarian terms but, rather, in recognizing their rights to dignity and restitution for past injustice is a breath of fresh air from the falsely practical, results-based mindset that seems to pervade Canadian politics.
There is much to contemplate and feel outraged about: the colonial undertones of habitual sympathy, the dominance of managerial thinking, and how the latter blinds contemporary political discourse from the importance of identities and values. Of course, conceptually dismantling the European imperial mentality to reveal its moral injustices toward indigenous peoples is at least as old as modern colonization, itself. Contrasting indigenous philosophies with the mainstream European thinking shed light on the insidious ways in which normal Canadian politics further normalizes the Aboriginal malaise.
Perhaps his polemical and trenchant style is just too extreme for me; or maybe I'm just not (yet) as outraged as he is over injustice. Sometimes, the insistent rhetoric felt redundant and distracting, while elsewhere, it appropriately emboldened the blatant hypocrisies of the Canadian government. And the man is certainly an activist when it comes to solutions...
There is much to contemplate and feel outraged about: the colonial undertones of habitual sympathy, the dominance of managerial thinking, and how the latter blinds contemporary political discourse from the importance of identities and values. Of course, conceptually dismantling the European imperial mentality to reveal its moral injustices toward indigenous peoples is at least as old as modern colonization, itself. Contrasting indigenous philosophies with the mainstream European thinking shed light on the insidious ways in which normal Canadian politics further normalizes the Aboriginal malaise.
Perhaps his polemical and trenchant style is just too extreme for me; or maybe I'm just not (yet) as outraged as he is over injustice. Sometimes, the insistent rhetoric felt redundant and distracting, while elsewhere, it appropriately emboldened the blatant hypocrisies of the Canadian government. And the man is certainly an activist when it comes to solutions...
November 24, 2014
Yes, it is time for a change in the national story, a change in priorities and time for a change in the adversarial relationship between Canada's government and the people it should be serving, specifically the Aboriginal ones. I don't see it happening with the current government, but I hope that future ones will take this book as a blueprint for rebuilding relationships of respect between peoples and for the safeguarding of our environment.
The 'Other People's Words' section was excellent - I was particularly moved by the 1910 memorial to Sir Wilfrid Laurier by the Chiefs of the Shuswap, Okanagan and Couteau peoples of British Columbia. "Our people are fined and imprisoned for breaking the game and fish laws and using the same game and fish which we were told would always be ours for food. Gradually we are becoming regarded as trespassers over a large portion of this our country... We have no grudge against the white race as a whole nor against the settlers, but we want to have an equal chance with them of making a living... it is their duty to see their government does right by us."
The 'Other People's Words' section was excellent - I was particularly moved by the 1910 memorial to Sir Wilfrid Laurier by the Chiefs of the Shuswap, Okanagan and Couteau peoples of British Columbia. "Our people are fined and imprisoned for breaking the game and fish laws and using the same game and fish which we were told would always be ours for food. Gradually we are becoming regarded as trespassers over a large portion of this our country... We have no grudge against the white race as a whole nor against the settlers, but we want to have an equal chance with them of making a living... it is their duty to see their government does right by us."
April 22, 2015
A sequel to A Fair Country that focuses on three main arguments: that Canadians have not been honourable treaty partners with the First Peoples; that there is a serious democratic deficit that would encourage dialogue, recognition, and reconciliation; and that it will be the cosmologies of First Peoples that will allow Canadian society to deal with the great risks and repercussions of a utilitarian and linear worldview (including emerging and evident environmental issues).
Saul's argument, as I see it, is that Canadians will have to work to make a better society in partnership with Nations of First Peoples. And that we can look forward to a newly empowered First Peoples as part of The Comeback. This empowerment is manifested in the Idle No More movement, indigenous scholarship, and supportive decisions from the Supreme Court.
The book was oddly written - like an oral discussion, but coming off a bit doddering and rhetorical. Worse, Saul comes alarmingly close to the 'Noble Savage' thesis, though this is somewhat ameliorated by the second part of the book with included documentation, speeches and writings in the voice of indigenous people in Canada.
Saul's argument, as I see it, is that Canadians will have to work to make a better society in partnership with Nations of First Peoples. And that we can look forward to a newly empowered First Peoples as part of The Comeback. This empowerment is manifested in the Idle No More movement, indigenous scholarship, and supportive decisions from the Supreme Court.
The book was oddly written - like an oral discussion, but coming off a bit doddering and rhetorical. Worse, Saul comes alarmingly close to the 'Noble Savage' thesis, though this is somewhat ameliorated by the second part of the book with included documentation, speeches and writings in the voice of indigenous people in Canada.
February 8, 2015
My words will not do this book justice. It is amazing.
The author is not Aboriginal, but he listens. One of my favorite parts of this book is at the end. He has a section titled "Other People's Words" filled with the voices and speeches from First Nations leaders spanning a century about. It isn't comprehensive but he demonstrates the thing this book wants us to do: listen.
Too often oppressed people are left out of their own problems. Too often the government and fellow citizens will ignore them while trying to "improve" their lives and "fix" their problems.
This book added history for context, presented all the information in a positive manor, put the responsibility where it should lie (we are all treaty people), and was a huge lesson in the ways I am privileged.
The biggest thing I took from this book was to listen. There are so many Aboriginal leaders to listen to, to hear, with so many great ideas. It's exciting and I am excited to see the political change. It is slow, but it will happen.
The author is not Aboriginal, but he listens. One of my favorite parts of this book is at the end. He has a section titled "Other People's Words" filled with the voices and speeches from First Nations leaders spanning a century about. It isn't comprehensive but he demonstrates the thing this book wants us to do: listen.
Too often oppressed people are left out of their own problems. Too often the government and fellow citizens will ignore them while trying to "improve" their lives and "fix" their problems.
This book added history for context, presented all the information in a positive manor, put the responsibility where it should lie (we are all treaty people), and was a huge lesson in the ways I am privileged.
The biggest thing I took from this book was to listen. There are so many Aboriginal leaders to listen to, to hear, with so many great ideas. It's exciting and I am excited to see the political change. It is slow, but it will happen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews