The Best of Chief Dan George

by Dan George, Helmut Hirnschall

This book combines the two best sellers My Heart Soars & My Spirit Soars in one volume, 63 poems fully illustrated, eloquently illustrated throughout by Helmut Hirnschall. Included in this edition is the Lament for Confederation by Chief Dan George. Poetic and spiritual, this book has a universal message to all people. Chief Dan George was an accomplished performer, poet, philosopher, champion of Native peoples and loving patriarch of a large family.

Genres: Poetry, Indigenous, Nonfiction, Canada

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lots of Love and Respect
May the Great Spirit
Love and Protect you
to the End of Time

Hatha Squalen, te na thaw”

Chief Dan George
Tanyal, Stalaston

“Friendship lives in every heart.”

With all my heart may it be so! LWB

[Gina Pickering Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The words of Chief Dan George are calming and serene, just like the man was. I've read this several times, and each time I take something else away from his prose. He writes about his people, their trials and their connection to nature. A book to reread several times a year.

[fin 🐟 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“O my grandson,

what will you remember me by?”

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chief Dan George (1899 - 1981) was a leader of the Salish Band in North Vancouver, B.C. In his lifetime he performed physical work as a logger, longshoreman, and hunter. In his 60s he became an actor, starring on TV, the stage, and in movies. He became a spokesperson for First Nations people in his speeches and his writing. Thus, I will let his words speak for him. His is a voice that must continue to be heard.
"Of all the teachings we receive
this one is the most important:
Nothing belongs to you
of what there is,
of what you take,
you must share."

"A child's trust in a
grown-up shows in the
touch of his hand."

"A man who cannot be moved by a child's sorrow
will only be remembered with scorn."

"We are as much
alive as we keep
the earth alive."

[Lyndsay-ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into this book I didn't know much about Chief Dan George, or his history, and I don't know if I've seen any of the shows/movies he's been in. I did enjoy the poetry in here, but I found he spoke a great deal about God. I thought being Native be might speak a little more about the spirits and beliefs of the Native people, which I do find really interested.

The artwork throughout the book was also quite beautiful, and I was wondering if he was the artist, or if somebody else did the drawings.

Overall, Chief Dan George seems to have touched a lot of people, and had a great impact on their lives.

[Shirley Yuhasz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesquite Dec. 2012 Selection. A wonderful two part book "My Heart Soars" & My "Spirit Soars". Beautiful Quotes, one is " I would be a sad man if it were not for the Hope I see in my grandchilds eyes" Dan was born Indian, was an accomplished performer, a poet, philosopher, champion of First Nations people, patriarch of large family, 8 children, of an arranged marriage, wife, Amy. A devoted union of 52 years. Inspiring little book! Thanks to Linda Werth & MTBC.

[Al Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over the years the name Chief Dan George became quite familiar to those of us who live near the Salish Sea. He made quite a name for himself later in life with his roles in some major films. His book opens a new window. George was a poet, philosopher and deep student of indigenous ways. The content in largely short poems and memoirs, with the added gift of marvelous illustrations by his contemporary Helmut Hirnshall. I found it an uplifting read.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st Read: August 18, 2018

Great words from a great man! Such a simple philosophy to live by.

[Faye Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poetry as natural and uplifting as a waterfall on a hot day.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom in these simple poems and essays. Be good to the Earth! Make children happy! Love in harmony with the animals! Make peace with each other!

Why are these things so hard?

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very calming book to experience.

[George Staropoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A return to serenity and harmony

Chief Dan George was a philosopher for his Native Americans. He portrays a !message of unity, harmony found in nature that served as a religion for his people. Looking a good peace of !one then you do find it here. Comes with superb penciled black and white drawings.

[Steven F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Human Being

Chief Dan George wrote what his heart felt, which was love for the Earth, his fellow humans, and especially children. I will always remember what occurred when he was buried. It lingers in my heart and mind.

[Ingrid Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincere reflections on his life and that of civilisation around him. Touching and interesting. Pause and cause for thought.