The Red Indians

by Peter Kulchyski

This book is a primer to the history of aboriginal resistance to capitalism in Canada since first contact and a polemic against the continuing racist and economic oppression using various theoretical perspectives.

Genres: History, Canada, Politics, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

Peter Kulchyski, although non-Indigenous, attended a government-run residential school in northern Manitoba before studying politics at the University of Winnipeg and York University. He now teaches Native Studies at the University of Manitoba. Kulchyski has written and edited many scholarly books and articles, including Like the Sound of a Drum: Aboriginal Cultural Politics in Denendeh and Nunavut.

Reviews

[Yasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes for a small book it is amazing. It brings about in clear concise language the aboriginal people's struggles in Canada. This is a must read for people unaware of the struggles of the aborinigal people and even for those that are aware but feel they need to know more. It isn't a book of us vs them but a book about Canadians that are not even recognised as Canadians! This is a book for all Canadians to be united in basic human rights and to be united as a people. Everyone should read this book, to banish stereotypes, prejudices, racism and even to acknowledge oneness as Canadians and not tolerate aggression and oppression of fellow Canadians. Whether there are passports, IDs or not stating this fact everyone that lives in Canada are Canadians and should be treated as citizens equally and fairly.

[Asa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canada's foreign policy is not the only thing that is getting wallopped these days. It is also on the UN black list for its treatment of its indigenous peoples. Kulchyski reminds us of Canada's not so law-abiding government, and its violent colonial legacy that continues today. It is quite amazing how little us Canadians know about our own history, or even what is happening today.

The subject is important for anyone who is concerned about law, truth, human rights and justice - the Canadian way.

[Acj · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. I really enjoyed this book and the Manitoba connection of the author. I loved reading something so honest and unapologetic about Canada’s history with Aboriginal peoples and learned so much. My reasons for knocking off a star are about the writing style versus any issue with the content: I could not get behind the lack of capital letters and found it easy to lose my place, I felt this writer was too heavy handed with exclamation marks, and I would have appreciated all the references to other works on this subject be made into a notes section/appendix rather than mixed throughout (which was very distracting). But overall a quick and engaging read.

[Pamela Painchaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Qujannami Kulchyshi

[Planet of the Books www.planetofthebooks.com]

The Red Indians by Peter Kulchyski is a must have for any teacher or layperson looking for an easily accessible book on the history of aboriginal peoples in Canada. Professor Kulchyski teaches Native Studies at the University of Manitoba and in this collection brings the acumen and storytelling power of any good teacher to this small, but necessary volume. Kulchyski traces the evolution of Native/European relations from the arrival of Columbus to the early twenty-first century.

Exploring important issues like the stereotypes of the “noble savage” and the political struggle for Native rights, we gain a foundational understanding that leaves one prepared and anxious to explore deeper. At times early in the book contradictions seem to emerge. For example, Kulchyski decries Western encroachment on Native territory but passes over the practices of tribes enslaving members from other tribes as though they are some how less important or egregious. It is perhaps in these contradictions that the burden and trouble of European caricatures of the “noble savage” becomes most clear and most ironic.

Read more at... http://www.planetofthebooks.com/plane...

Best

Ben
Planet of the Books
http://www.planetofthebooks.com

[Scott Neigh]

Reviewed here.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

great overview of resistance to Canadian government's assimilationist strategy - powerful stuff