Arrows in a Quiver: From Contact to the Courts in Indigenous-Canadian Relations

by James Frideres

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, Arrows in a Quiver provides an overview of Indigenous-settler relations, including how land is central to Indigenous identity and how the Canadian state systematically marginalizes Indigenous people. Illustrating the various “arrows in a quiver” that Indigenous people use to fight back, such as grassroots organizing, political engagement, and the courts, Frideres situates “settler colonialism” historically and explains why decolonization requires a fundamental transformation of long-standing government policy for reconciliation to occur. The historical, political, and social context provided by this text offers greater understanding and theorizes what the effective devolution of government power might look like.

A comprehensive political and legal overview of Indigenous-settler relations in Canada, written at a level appropriate for post-secondary students, this book is an essential primer for understanding these key relations in Canada today.

“A must-read for non-Indigenous settlers in Canada.” ─David McNab, co-author of Canada’s First Nations: A History of Founding Peoples from Earliest Times

“James Frideres has devoted his professional life to analysing this critical topic from multiple perspectives [and now, in Arrows in a Quiver,] he offers crucial insights for possible ways forward.” ─Arthur J. Ray, OC, FRSC, Professor Emeritus of History, University of British Columbia, and author of Aboriginal Rights Claims and the Making and Remaking of History

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction, History

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2019

Reviews

[Alejandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enlightening read, it provides a good overview of how the government of Canada has viewed and dealt with Indigenous people in Canada over the years and clears many misconceptions around how the current system works (or more precisely, doesn't), and the tools at the disposal of Indigenous people to assert their rights. It is a little on the dry side and its tone is academic, so it may not be the friendliest introduction to this topic for the general public, but it is very well researched, as one would expect from a former Director of the International Indigenous Studies program at the University of Calgary. I was surprised to learn the extent of control the government, both federal and provincial, has exerted over affairs in Indigenous communities, and all the frankly ridiculous restrictions imposed over the years.

Main takeaways: Continuing to address Indigenous-settler issues through a legal system that has been imposed unilaterally by settlers is part of the problem. A mindset change is required for reconciliation - it can only happen when both parties are on equal footing; self determination plays a key part in that.

Now, let's take a moment to admire the stunning cover art by Lawerence Paul Yuxweliptun.