Denis:Canada at a Crossroads

by Jeffrey Denis

Winner of the John Porter Tradition of Excellence Book Award, Canada at a Crossroads draws on group position theory, settler colonial studies, critical race theory, and Indigenous theorizing. Canada at a Crossroads emphasizes the social psychological barriers to transforming white settler ideologies and practices and working towards decolonization. After tracing settlers’ sense of group superiority and entitlement to historical and ongoing colonial processes, Denis illustrates how contemporary Indigenous and settler residents think about and relate to one another. He highlights how, despite often having close cross-group relationships, residents maintain conflicting perspectives on land, culture, history, and treaties, and Indigenous residents frequently experience interpersonal and systemic racism. Denis then critically assesses the promise and pitfalls of commonly proposed solutions, including intergroup contact, education, apologies, and collective action, and concludes that genuine reconciliation will require radically restructuring Canadian society and perpetually fulfilling treaty responsibilities.

Genres: Indigenous, History

384 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2020

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful

This book offers a compelling exploration of the intricate intersections of Canada's history, politics, and Indigenous rights—a poignant reflection of our nation's ongoing journey towards reconciliation.

Denis's skill as a writer is undeniable. He deftly navigates complex themes with clarity and sensitivity, presenting a rich tapestry of historical context and contemporary perspectives. His meticulous research and eloquent storytelling make Canada at a Crossroads a captivating and thought-provoking read from start to finish.

Canada at a Crossroads is particularly timely during Indigenous Awareness Week, as it offers a comprehensive examination of the issues central to Indigenous experiences and their relationship with the Canadian state. Denis's work serves as a vital resource for fostering understanding, empathy, and dialogue, both within Indigenous communities and among broader Canadian society.

In conclusion, Canada at a Crossroads is an exceptionally powerful book that delves into the complexities of Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Don't miss the opportunity to engage with this transformative work and contribute to a more inclusive and just future for all Canadians.

4.8/5

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great analysis of how settler racism towards indigenous people plays out in Canada. Learned a little bit about group positioning theory too. One fact that stuck with me was that some 40% of indigenous people surveyed explicitly did not identify as Canadian but their own nationality such as Anishinaabe.

[Stephanie Bernier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Read this for a university course and throughly enjoyed it. Definitely did a great job at addressing the less overt racism you see rampant in Canada. Only thing I would change is sometimes it did feel as though the author was repeating himself. But this didn't take away from the book all. Very thought provoking!