The Reconciliation Manifesto: Recovering the Land, Rebuilding the Economy

by Arthur Manuel, Ronald M. Derrickson, Naomi Klein (Preface)

In this book Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ronald Derrickson challenge virtually everything that non-Indigenous Canadians believe about their relationship with Indigenous Peoples and the steps that are needed to place this relationship on a healthy and honourable footing.Manuel and Derrickson show how governments are attempting to reconcile with Indigenous Peoples without touching the basic colonial structures that dominate and distort the relationship. They review the current state of land claims. They tackle the persistence of racism among non-Indigenous people and institutions. They celebrate Indigenous Rights Movements while decrying the role of government-funded organizations like the Assembly of First Nations. They document the federal government's disregard for the substance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples while claiming to implement it. These circumstances amount to what they see as a false reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.Instead, Manuel and Derrickson offer an illuminating vision of what Canada and Canadians need for true reconciliation.In this book, which Arthur Manuel and Ron Derrickson completed in the months before Manuel's death in January 2017, readers will recognize their profound understanding of the country, of its past, present, and potential future. Expressed with quiet but firm resolve, humour, and piercing intellect The Reconciliation Manifesto will appeal to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who are open and willing to look at the real problems and find real solutions.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, History, Canada, Politics, Social Justice, Race

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2017

Reviews

[Kaiti · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal book. It pulls no punches when discussing the horrors of colonial violence in Canada both past and present. It should be required reading for all Canadians, especially settler Canadians. Some of it is hard to digest, it's hard to recognize and acknowledge your complicity in such a horrific system, but so it is.

We have to do better, we can do better.

[Heike Lttrr · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things to say about this book! Where to start? I wasn't ready to read all of this book when I first started it in 2018, but I've learned a lot more since then, and cleared space to take in what it's about.

This book feels a bit like essential reading for non-Indigenous Canadians to understand the systemic poverty of Indigenous peoples following settler and colonial theft of their lands and waters. Arthur Manuel very kindly, generously and patiently walks readers through his perspectives of what his and Indigenous peoples around the world are fighting for: Aboriginal title and rights, self-determination, and a better future for Indigenous peoples, in B.C., Canada, and globally. This book humbled me and brought into sharp perspective the inherited, shameful history of the country I was born in, but the essential history I didn't learn about in school. It also makes me really amazed at the efforts that Indigenous leaders like Arthur Manuel go through in order to fight for the rightful recognition of Indigenous rights. As essential reading, I know I'll be going back to various chapters in this book to help understand who I am and how I show up today.

Manuel shows that the approach to persistent resistance to colonial laws and oppresion is rooted in non-violence: in firmly staying put and advocating for inalienable rights. The book identifies that recovering the land for Indigenous peoples is integral to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities. It means rebuilding their communities, their governance systems, their own ideas of self, culture, language, laws and worldview. It means bringing recognition and respect to ways of being that are thousands of years old. Manuel describes the violence committed by the Canadian and provincial governments set on quashing Indigenous land defenders who oppose the destruction of the environment and sacred places in favour of projects that deliver quick cash and short-sighted benefits. He also patiently describes the complex nature of modern relations with current colonial governments that continue to refuse to recognize Aboriginal rights and continue the path of colonialism. The book is, at times, a brutal analysis.

As the daughter of immigrants, it also makes me see hope in what I can do to support change and reconciliation - and rebuilding a world in better balance with the ecologies we depend on, the relationships we have with each other, and bringing meaning to the "honour of the Crown". And it means building new relationships with the people we (as settlers) need to be able to see as friends and neighbours.

[Martin Settle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very accessible and yet profound exposition of the simplicity and challenge of Reconciliation, which can only begin by addressing the matter of land. This should be a textbook in all Canadian high schools, not just for its frank discussion of colonialism, but also for its clarity in describing the human rights frameworks that should be guiding our actions.

[Patricia L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unbelievably helpful for a colonial settler to understand the issues for the First Nation people.
It is clear and well written explaining the subtleties of our relationship and what we can do about it.
I wish I would have met the author.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

More important reads for Canadians! Let's implement UNDRIP already.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A master class on how colonization has kept true reconciliation from happening in Canada. His work around UNDRIP captures the roller coaster ride of emotions around this issue. The entire book reads like a series of blogs or short stories with some repetition however this is part of the story telling. A great loss.

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by a prof. Everything the Manuel family writes should be required reading!

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur Manuel left a tremendous legacy of fighting for Indigenous rights not just in Canada but internationally as well. His death was a huge loss for the movement for Indigenous justice, but the posthumous publication of The Reconciliation Manifesto softens the blow and lays bare Manuel's critical analysis of where things stand and need to go, ensuring that his influence will continue to be felt as the fight continues.

I learned a lot from Unsettling Canada, Manuel's first book published just a couple of years ago. That book offered a semi-autobiographical history of Indigenous rights organizing in Canada and put forth an impressive analysis of modern Canadian colonialism. The Reconciliation Manifesto is ostensibly a sequel, though it takes a very different approach. Comprised of more than 40 short chapters, plus 5 "open letters" to influential individuals, Manuel deftly covers a lot of ground, writing concisely about issues ranging from his theory of colonialism (dispossession to dependency to oppression) to deconstructing capital R "Reconciliation." He charts the opposition in this fight, explaining the false promises and dangerous rhetoric of the current Liberal government (drawing a clear line to the political legacy of Trudeau Sr) and the obstructionism of much of the "establishment" Indigenous leadership, who he claims are eager to sell off collective rights for a quick buck. He also charts out the allies, from grassroots groups like Idle No More and Defenders of the Land, who are reinvigorating the Indigenous rights movement, to everyday warriors and Indigenous peoples outside of Canada, those south of the border and also around the world. More than anything else, Manuel makes clear that land is at the heart of the issue, and that nothing constructive can happen until Canada recognizes the inherent rights and title of Indigenous peoples on these lands.

Indeed, Manuel clearly understands the value of repetition - he seems to mention the same central points in almost every chapter, and while this can be a little tedious to read, it certainly helps to get those points across and to have them stick in the reader's mind. This repetition also brings Manuel's passion for the issues through - he never let up in his fight for his people's rights, and he never lets up in explaining the issues here. One of my favourite parts of the book, though, is the collection of open letters at the end, in part because they break with the repetition of so many of the preceding chapters; writing directly to people like the Pope, the Queen, and Secretary General of the UN, Manuel succinctly summarizes the issues and demonstrates how much of an international issue this is - how certain institutions have played a major role in Canadian colonialism, and could make a major difference in the fight for justice in recognizing Indigenous rights.

Manuel is passionate about fighting this war on multiple fronts, standing up to assert Indigenous rights on the ground where and when necessary, but also lobbying international bodies, especially the UN, to pressure Canada towards justice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit nations and communities. He also advocates multiple tactics, from blockades against developments on un-ceded land to challenging Canada's credit ratings by arguing that the government subsidizes resource industries by avoiding proper compensation to Indigenous communities. Manuel's command of such a wide breadth of issues is astounding and again makes clear what a major loss his death has been, but this book offers a window into his thinking and as such is a very valuable contribution that will undoubtedly inspire and guide many in their own work as part of this struggle.

Both Unsettling Canada and The Reconciliation Manifesto should be required reading for all Canadians. I'm sure both books will be of tremendous value to Indigenous folks who continue to fight for their rights, but for settler Canadians they offer a clear explanation of the most critical social issue in the country from the perspective of a grassroots activist who worked on the issue for decades. It would be impossible to read these books and not come away with a greater appreciation for what the main issues are and how we need to start addressing them, along with some ideas on how to begin doing so. Arthur Manuel relentlessly put forward an inspiring vision of a better future for Indigenous peoples and for a better Canada, and this book offers at least a glimpse of how we can get there.

[Brentman99 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not something I would normally read in my leisure time, but I saw it reviewed in Canada's History Magazine and it is related to my work, so I decided that I would give it a try.

Overall, I found it an interesting, thought provoking read. However, while I would rate the importance of the topic five stars, due to what I thought unnecessary repetitiveness and a need for a bit more editing, I dropped my overall rating to four stars - though I had thought to drop it to three, but that wouldn't be fair to the message.

While I found the points important and relevant, I had issues with the basic premise - give us our land back and all our problems go away. I know the issues and solutions are not that simple and run a lot deeper, but that is what I kept hearing in the back of my mind while reading this book. Also I know that there are serious trust issues on both sides of the fence, so I get the need to hammer the points home.

The authors did a great job of observing the history and how the federal government has struggled to be honest, fair and deal with issues in a timely manner. Also, I think that they make excellent points about environmentalism and the need to ensure that our grandchildren have a safe and prosperous place to live. We may differ on the means to get there, but the basic premise is spot on.

I've had lots of exposure to the topic for work, so I know I need to be aware of my own biases. But that aside, I think that there are a lot of good points in this book and that if you work with First Nations in any capacity, it is a must read.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best calls to action that I have ever read - it is thoughtful, angry, funny, conversational, creative, informed - and I so appreciate that Arthur Manuel took the time to put together his thoughts and give direction about how to go about real reconciliation - its gotta start with the land, focus on the land, end with the land. We together - Indigenous and settlers - collectively need to figure out how we are going to live together going forward, and we settlers of the US and Canada need to start by taking up the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and making the necessary legal changes to our laws that disavow our claim to title over the continent and recognize Indigenous/Aboriginal titles. Powerful book and I feel grateful to have read it.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wanted to finish this book, but couldn't. Poorly written/edited, accusatory in tone and offered little positive guidance to either indigenous and non-indigenous people.

[MeerderWörter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Many are listening. There are many others who identify with the warrior wing of the movement who are determined to push ahead on the ground with the change he called for. This could be seen during his three-day wake in his community when activists and warriors from across the country came to pay their respects. Several times, when the coffin was open for public viewing, they circled it and with fists in the air, chanting traditional songs and fight songs from the American Indian Movement. Reminding us that for many in Defenders of the Land and Idle No More, Arthur Manuel was not only one of the main strategists of the movement, he was their war chief."

To have a quote like this in the opening pages of this book, I was really curious what would await me between the pages. Having finished it last night, at like 3 AM in the morning, I feel still drunk with the determination and the perseverance that evaporates from those same pages.

Arthur Manuel has penned a book that isn't just about all the things legalese, which can be tiring and boring to read after some time, but it is a book that truly outlines the legal history of so-called Canada, and appeals to Indigenous and settler people alike. It is not about what was, but what needs to change in order to restore justice and who and in which ways things need to change - on both sides. Manuel goes on the endeavour to show how racism and poverty are not only rampant in First Nations communities, but systemic, and why this is the case. It is a book that calls a spade a spade, but not only does it show where the issues are, but also in which ways they can be solved. In this way, it is not an angry book, a berating book, a book written by someone who just lashes out, but a book written by someone who also has the solution-making process in mind and is not tired to point out what needs to change so that things get better.
Whether you have never heard a thing of Canada before or know quite a bit, this book will change your perception and it will fill in the gaps that you didn't know you had - this book is probably one of the highlights of this year.

This is a book written by a warrior, I am deeply moved. Every person in Canada needs to read this.

[Brenda D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sets out why Canadian "settlers" need to do more to commit to the path of reconciliation. According to Arthur Manuel (author) the next steps will require more than 'feel good' emotional support. In fact, he concludes with a six-step program of concrete action that are 'essential' in order to address the ongoing history of colonization.

There is certainly merit in reading the book for both the political and legal history presented and to better understand the challenges Canada currently faces. While much of the material is informative, there is no question that it is also very challenging. For example, despite acknowledging s.35 of the Constitution and the cases decided by the Supreme Court of Canada which recognized Aboriginal title, the author states that racial discrimination is deeply engrained in the constitutional and legal fabric of Canada (p.298).

Even more significant is the six-step program proposed by the author at the end of the book (p.275-279) which would be VERY difficult for most Canadians to accept, particularly the fourth step where settlers would be required to sit down and negotiate their "access" to land in Canada. Manuel appears to believe, whether or not there are existing treaties in place, there is no legal "ownership" of lands except by Aboriginal people. So, definitely a worthwhile read but be warned, while "well presented" and thoroughly researched, it is a challenging positional argument!

[Magdalena Milosz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manuel covers an incredible amount of ground in this book, tracing the history of colonialism in Canada while outlining the steps that need to be taken for true decolonization for the sixty Indigenous nations within the Canadian space. Key points include the implementation of UNDRIP, recognition of Aboriginal title and rights as underlying Crown title, and self-determination. Much attention is focused on the “termination policy” of the Canadian government, which has morphed from an official assimilation policy (my reading) to the extinguishment of Aboriginal title as the top priority in settling land claims. The “0.2 per cent problem” is outlined as the root of poverty, as Indigenous peoples have (limited) control over 0.2 per cent of the land in Canada while settler society, through private ownership and “Crown” lands, controls 99.8 per cent. He mentions his father, George Manuel, several times, and notes that “he wanted to make a distinction between decolonization of the third world and decolonization of Indigenous peoples in the fourth world” (George Manuel came up with the concept of Indigenous peoples as the “fourth world”).

“Colonialists, by definition, do not respect the Indigenous peoples they are dominating. We are a reminder to them of their land theft, their original sin, and they want us hidden away or absorbed through assimilation.”

[MJ]

I haven't assigned any stars to this, because I didn't love it (because who loves to look in the mirror and see the dirty truth that one's country is founded on?) and a lower rating isn't deserved either.

Manuel's conversational tone is accessible and frank. He doesn't candy coat the reality of how Canada was founded, or the daily reality of many First Nations people in Canada. The majority of Canadians are truly ignorant of the treaties that were signed on this land over a century ago, and what those treaties meant to the parties present during treaty negotiations - this book can help change that. A large disparity exists between settlers here and indigenous people, and the term "reconciliation" gets thrown around a lot these days - but there isn't a whole lot of real action accompanying that word. Manuel describes the Crown-Indigenous relationships in Canada from his perspective - and describes the blueprints for change that have been put forth by the United Nations and the Supreme Court of Canada. This is a radical call for action, and a demand to change the status quo.

There is quite a bit of repetition in the book, but some things need to be heard (or read) repeatedly for the message to sink in.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good!!! I want to look more into Defenders of the land and Idle No More organizations, see where I can support them (financially??). I would like to read more opinions on how we can better and more efficiently address the land issue.

There is one issue I saw with the author's argument. He says we should treat indigenous rights issues like how apartheid and racism were treated -- but he goes on to cite non-violence. I would have appreciated a more nuanced discussion there, because what I know of racial justice in USA is that violence was a necessary part of it...

From what I understand from this book, the main required action is to take it to the international stage (UN), to unveil Canada's ugly side. I wonder if that really does work... And to keep fighting with our bodies on the land...

Overall definitely a good, easily read book! I think it's a great starting point. I appreciate the focus on the land issue before "Reconciliation" can even start.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was eye-opening for me. There is the understanding of 'reconciliation' with Canada's Indigeneous peoples, that you can start from where we are now. But Manuel's convincing position is that for true reconciliation to occur we have to revise basic colonial structures - starting with acknowledgement of Indigenous peoples' right to self-determination. Once that occurs, he says, Indigenous and non-Indigenous leadership can start negotiating re-distribution of lands and resources so that everybody's needs are met. This isn't that complicated, he says. It's just about fair and equitable negotiation, based on mutual respect.

I'll leave you to read this important book to get the rest of the details. But I think if we followed Arthur Manuel's guide, we could create a transformed Canada and once and for all, truly make things right Indigenous peoples.

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book to dive into the First Nation's perspective on their continued struggle for self-determination. The book speaks to the challenges of undoing the harms of hundreds of years of colonialism in the context of a government (liberal or conservative) that continues to keep First Nations down, despite some of the legal determinations of international and national judicial bodies.

Systemic racism is the anti-hero in the the ongoing story of how Canadian First Nations struggle for Peace and Reconciliation, but the call to action of Arthur Manuel is for every Canadian to make the effort to understand the colonial conditions First Nations are living in and take a stance against this historical injustice.

I give 4 instead of 5 stars only because I felt there were points in the book where some presented facts could have been cited. Other than that, great and important book.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well articulated documentation of an ongoing racist travesty. Much food for thought and hope.
"Canada needs to fully recognize our Aboriginal and treaty rights and our absolute right to self-determination. At the same time, we will recognize the fundamental human right of Canadians, after hundreds of years of settement, to live here. Then we can sit down and negotiate a way that Canadians and Indigenous peoples can live on this vast shared land in a way that allows for prosperity for both societies and protects our environment for all of the generations to come."

[Graeme · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides crucial historical context and actionable, tangible goals for Indigenous peoples' advancement in Canada and worldwide. Within Canada's history, Indigenous peoples are routinely portrayed as victims of the past. Understanding the past is important, but stories of Indigenous resilience and explanations of the pathway to deconstructing colonial systems provide direction to non-Indigenous allies. I feel invigorated and inspired having read this and deeply appreciate Manuel's ability to convey this information in an accessible manner.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really important read, and one of the best things I’ve read for understanding how non-Indigenous Canadians can repair the relationship with Indigenous Canadians that has been badly damaged by generations of genocidal policies and practices. This book doesn’t shy away from talking about the deep issues and what must be done, particularly around recovering more of the land base for Indigenous communities.

[Nathan Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A genuine must read for all Canadians as well as anyone with an interest in Indigenous histories. A book which provided a clear and concise recount of the past, which pulled no punches in showing how Canada has continued to push a colonial system and benefit from it like few others. It is also a book which shows us how to move forward and finally work in a nation-to-nation relationship, incredibly powerful with a lot of lessons to take from it.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offered me better insight about the complexities of our settler relationship with Indigenous peoples. My takeway is that Indigenous peoples don't want a handout from our settler governments-- they want to be able to make decisions over their own lands, support the rebuilding of their nations, and being economic independence in their own right.

[Jade Geleynse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written to cover a large, multifaceted issue that continues to plague Canada throughout the entirety of its existence. Well laid out and easy to understand, Arthur paints a detailed picture of the country we live in, the wrongs that need righting, and how to support the changes that are needed to do so.

[jesbek · Rating 4 out of 5]

essential reading. the message from this book is very clear: recognize Indigenous title, land back. arthur manuel has had more success fighting for Indigenous rights internationally (i.e. for the US or UN to take action on behalf of Indigenous peoples in so-called canada vs. pursuing in canada itself).

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book incredible. So much information but very accessible and well written, keeps you engaged while being super educational.
Should genuinely be required reading for all Canadians!! It’s so important to know our history and how to carry on the fight for Indigenous rights and self sovereignty
Can’t recommend it more!

[Rhys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canada's shame laid bare.

"You cannot have reconciliation under the colonial 0.2 per cent Indian reserve system. It is impossible. Nothing can justify that kind of human degradation. The land issue must be addressed before reconciliation can begin."

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

It clarified so many issues for me, and helped me to understand Canadian aboriginal issues, and the kind of future all Canadians can look forward to if we honour our legal obligations to First Nations.

I highly recommend it.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur Manuel, may he rest in power, wrote with the same wit and critical insight that he spoke with. Comparing this book side by side with videos of his speeches online makes it obvious enough: this person has the depth of wisdom many of us seek to learn from and understand better.

[Ellie O'Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half of the book is the most clear-headed argument for reconciliation I've encountered. The 2nd half is his radical strategy for getting there. He argues that Indigenous people worldwide should appeal to the UN and other international bodies, and not with their colonial governments.