What do you think?
Rate this book
Namwayut―We Are All One: A Pathway to Reconciliation
We all share a common humanity. No matter how long or difficult the path ahead, we are all one.
Reconciliation belongs to everyone. In this profound book, Chief Robert Joseph, globally recognized peacebuilder and Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk People, traces his journey from his childhood surviving residential school to his present-day role as a leader who inspires individual hope, collective change, and global transformation.
Before we get to know where we are going, we need to know where we came from. Reconciliation represents a long way forward, but it is a pathway toward our higher humanity, our highest selves, and an understanding that everybody matters. In Namwayut , Chief Joseph teaches us to transform our relationships with ourselves and each other. As we learn about, honour, and respect the truth of the stories we tell, we can also discover how to dismantle the walls of discrimination, hatred, and racism in our society.
Chief Joseph is known as one of the leading voices on peacebuilding in our time, and his dedication to reconciliation has been recognized with multiple honorary degrees and awards. As one of the remaining first-language speakers of Kwak'wala, his wisdom is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing while making space for something bigger and better for all of us.
Reconciliation belongs to everyone. In this profound book, Chief Robert Joseph, globally recognized peacebuilder and Hereditary Chief of the Gwawaenuk People, traces his journey from his childhood surviving residential school to his present-day role as a leader who inspires individual hope, collective change, and global transformation.
Before we get to know where we are going, we need to know where we came from. Reconciliation represents a long way forward, but it is a pathway toward our higher humanity, our highest selves, and an understanding that everybody matters. In Namwayut , Chief Joseph teaches us to transform our relationships with ourselves and each other. As we learn about, honour, and respect the truth of the stories we tell, we can also discover how to dismantle the walls of discrimination, hatred, and racism in our society.
Chief Joseph is known as one of the leading voices on peacebuilding in our time, and his dedication to reconciliation has been recognized with multiple honorary degrees and awards. As one of the remaining first-language speakers of Kwak'wala, his wisdom is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing while making space for something bigger and better for all of us.
280 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
42 people are currently reading
1328 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Read
March 25, 2023“…until the time when residential school Survivors started to tell their stories, we remained invisible. We remained un valued. Learning about what we have survived has been the only thing that has really mattered to Canadians. Nothing else has moved people. And, therefore, it is necessary to impose my truth upon the Canadian consciousness because the idea of truth in and of itself is a worthy pursuit. Since Indigenous Peoples in this country have shared this part of our truth, untold before now, we now have this opportunity to make some real change.
Telling these stories is important for Survivors, for people like me, so that we are seen, heard, acknowledged. And yet some days,I think that I should not reveal any of it. I am still ashamed of what I have experienced, even at the hands of others. I am still worried that I will be unvalued again, thought of as lesser than.
But the truth is more helpful. Telling the truth moves the needle that much more, inspires others that much more than staying silent.”
Even before reading this passage, I was thinking as I read this book about Holocaust survivors who have dedicated their lives to sharing experiences they shouldn’t have to revisit, in order to effect change and promote truth. Hearing their stories when I was young had a big impact on me, but I didn’t think then that generous survivors would one day share their stories of genocide right here in Canada.
The focus of Chief Robert Joseph’s book is reconciliation, but in sharing his thoughts on it, he also recounts his own experiences of abuse and dislocation at St Michael’s Residential School in Alert Bay on Vancouver Island, and the subsequent impact on his life.
Telling these stories is important for Survivors, for people like me, so that we are seen, heard, acknowledged. And yet some days,I think that I should not reveal any of it. I am still ashamed of what I have experienced, even at the hands of others. I am still worried that I will be unvalued again, thought of as lesser than.
But the truth is more helpful. Telling the truth moves the needle that much more, inspires others that much more than staying silent.”
Even before reading this passage, I was thinking as I read this book about Holocaust survivors who have dedicated their lives to sharing experiences they shouldn’t have to revisit, in order to effect change and promote truth. Hearing their stories when I was young had a big impact on me, but I didn’t think then that generous survivors would one day share their stories of genocide right here in Canada.
The focus of Chief Robert Joseph’s book is reconciliation, but in sharing his thoughts on it, he also recounts his own experiences of abuse and dislocation at St Michael’s Residential School in Alert Bay on Vancouver Island, and the subsequent impact on his life.
November 22, 2022
An excellent read for anyone who cares about the Truth and Reconciliation process in Canada. This is the third of Chief Robert Joseph's books that I have read. The others, "21 Things You May Not Know about the Indian Act" and "Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips and Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality" are must-reading for settler Canadians who want to better understand the indigenous perspective. "Namwayut" is a very personal journey into Chief Joseph's life, how it was impacted by his residential school experience and what it took for him to overcome the damage it did to him and his family. A very frank and open personal discussion of physical and emotional trauma. There is much to commend the author on how he turned his personal journey from one of deep despair to one of hope. Strongly recommend a read.
October 19, 2022
This book was wonderful. Although uncomfortable to read at times, it proves that reconciliation is hard work, but also very possible. We must listen to these stories from survivors to better understand how colonialism and genocide have impacted their lives. I really appreciated the approach that this author took to explain how reconciliation can be achieved through love, community, and faith!
February 13, 2023
Chief Robert Joseph is very eloquent as he tells his story of reconciliation. He is fairly gentle with the details of his residential school stay....but you learn how it impacted his little boy-self and the lasting impacts on him as an adult.
If you know nothing of the residential school story and the journey to reconciliation, this is a good start. For me it was too repetitive, but I live in the heart of his story and am perhaps to close.
It is brave book and certainly a message that all should hear. I love that he is not just angry and exclusive of anyone but indigenous. He rightly identifies fear as a factor in racism, and that can swing many ways. His recipe to reconciliation is to Canadians of all backgrounds.
I am sorry for what was done to the indigenous peoples of this continent, and wish it were not thus. But it is and he recognizes that the journey is forward and compels us to work together.
If you know nothing of the residential school story and the journey to reconciliation, this is a good start. For me it was too repetitive, but I live in the heart of his story and am perhaps to close.
It is brave book and certainly a message that all should hear. I love that he is not just angry and exclusive of anyone but indigenous. He rightly identifies fear as a factor in racism, and that can swing many ways. His recipe to reconciliation is to Canadians of all backgrounds.
I am sorry for what was done to the indigenous peoples of this continent, and wish it were not thus. But it is and he recognizes that the journey is forward and compels us to work together.
October 26, 2022
This is ultimately a book of hope.
“For all the harm and hurt and loss that I suffered, I use that as a reminder and a tool to hold myself up to my own chosen level of integrity. I believe that the more we share, the more this will be true for each of us. Knowing what we know about the pain of others means that we cannot, we will not inflict harm or hurt on anybody else. I believe this deeply.”
“For all the harm and hurt and loss that I suffered, I use that as a reminder and a tool to hold myself up to my own chosen level of integrity. I believe that the more we share, the more this will be true for each of us. Knowing what we know about the pain of others means that we cannot, we will not inflict harm or hurt on anybody else. I believe this deeply.”
November 6, 2022
Powerful story, beautifully told. I consider it a privilege to be able to hear and stand as witness to the atrocities endured by far too many Indigenous people in our country. This book offers hope that reconciliation is possible.
May 22, 2023
A moving, heartfelt and important entreaty about the long-lasting impacts of Residential schools on Indigenous people and the ways we can work together towards true reconciliation. Good on audio (though not read by the author) and recommended for readers of books like Rez rules and Truth telling by Michelle Good.
November 13, 2022
Haunting. A tough read at times, and yet an important one. As a storyteller and writer myself, Chief Bobby Joseph’s reminder of the healing power in listening and witnessing each other’s stories is timely.
There is great wisdom and vulnerability in the pages of this book, which probably scratch the surface of what Indigenous traditions and their pain look like. And yet, I’m floored. The depth of emotion that gets invoked as you read Namyawut is just ecstatic!
And there is so much to take away here — from the standpoint of developing sensitivity, learning what it means to reconcile towards those that traumatized us, and that diversity doesn’t lead to loss of control.
I’ll admit that I’m too naive to understand the weight of the oppression and struggle. But I am trying and I honour those that are helping people like me to understand & show up more inclusively towards those that haven’t felt seen before.
We are all one - thank you for the profound spiritual wisdom and for doing the deep inner work to reconcile with yourself and share this story.
There is great wisdom and vulnerability in the pages of this book, which probably scratch the surface of what Indigenous traditions and their pain look like. And yet, I’m floored. The depth of emotion that gets invoked as you read Namyawut is just ecstatic!
And there is so much to take away here — from the standpoint of developing sensitivity, learning what it means to reconcile towards those that traumatized us, and that diversity doesn’t lead to loss of control.
I’ll admit that I’m too naive to understand the weight of the oppression and struggle. But I am trying and I honour those that are helping people like me to understand & show up more inclusively towards those that haven’t felt seen before.
We are all one - thank you for the profound spiritual wisdom and for doing the deep inner work to reconcile with yourself and share this story.
April 6, 2025
4.5/5
Really interesting to hear about all of the goings-on of the island as someone who grew up in and around many of the book’s settings
Really interesting to hear about all of the goings-on of the island as someone who grew up in and around many of the book’s settings
January 6, 2023
Honest and inspiring. And a look at what was happening behind the scenes of events in Vancouver that I remember well.
Open-hearted telling of the reality of his experience and his vision for the present and the future.
Open-hearted telling of the reality of his experience and his vision for the present and the future.
January 20, 2025
Wow. What a powerful story, with strength and hope woven through every single word. Such a powerful account of truth telling, and of the strength it takes to move forward in good ways.
October 4, 2023
This book is a beautiful invitation to walk down the reconciliation path with your neighbors and community. Weaving in elements of spiritual awakening and history while laying out the steps needed for reconciliation all in a story telling format - this book will make you cry but it will also lift up your spirit. We are all one/ namwayut.
December 30, 2023
Reading this at a time when I needed to hear the things that Chief Robert Joseph writes: that even small, individual actions matter, that we keep working towards reconciliation even when faced with obstacles.
He writes:
To emerge from the wilderness, we must be committed to reconciliation on every level of our lived experience.
When we are committed, and when we are intentional in being reconciled individually, collectively this will change the whole damn world.
Page 202
He writes:
To emerge from the wilderness, we must be committed to reconciliation on every level of our lived experience.
When we are committed, and when we are intentional in being reconciled individually, collectively this will change the whole damn world.
Page 202
January 13, 2024
This is an exceptional, important book. It's not an easy read, as it's full of hard experiences and hard truths, but it is a book that every Canadian should read.
Hell, any person in any country that has seen any form of racism, misogyny, or hate...any really, can any country claim that has never happened?
Chief Joseph presents a look back at his life, showing the tough, yet mostly happy life he had before being mandated to a Residential School for deprogramming, the aftermath of those horrifying years, and his eventual path back to hope and forgiveness.
Along the way, we're shown the depths that humanity can fall to, as well as the heights they can achieve with love and the simple acts of kindness.
I am shamed that the country I live in perpetrated these hateful acts against our Indigenous population, aimed at literally wiping them out, and I am heartened that these brave souls have managed not only to overcome this genocide, but to find some peace and a path forward.
This is an incredible story, and I'm better for having experienced it.
Hell, any person in any country that has seen any form of racism, misogyny, or hate...any really, can any country claim that has never happened?
Chief Joseph presents a look back at his life, showing the tough, yet mostly happy life he had before being mandated to a Residential School for deprogramming, the aftermath of those horrifying years, and his eventual path back to hope and forgiveness.
Along the way, we're shown the depths that humanity can fall to, as well as the heights they can achieve with love and the simple acts of kindness.
I am shamed that the country I live in perpetrated these hateful acts against our Indigenous population, aimed at literally wiping them out, and I am heartened that these brave souls have managed not only to overcome this genocide, but to find some peace and a path forward.
This is an incredible story, and I'm better for having experienced it.
February 15, 2024
Namwayut -We are All One.
Recently I was asked which is my favourite book. I have read so many book over the decades. Some I have read more than a dozen times. Reading again a beloved story is like putting on a favourite sweater and curling up on the couch in front of a fire on a cold winter day. It is so cozy.
A few books are so powerful they remain with me and I might never read them again. So powerful they change my view of the world.
This is one of those books. It changed my world and my view of my place in it.
I as non-Indigenous Canadian have spent almost a decade educating myself about Canada and the trauma done the first inhabitants of this country. I know I still have a lot to learn.
This is not the first book I have read by an Indigenous author. It is not the first book I read about reconciliation by an Indigenous author.
It is the first book about reconciliation that spoke to my heart.
I hope every Canadian will read this book and hear its message about reconciliation, but more importantly about love.
Recently I was asked which is my favourite book. I have read so many book over the decades. Some I have read more than a dozen times. Reading again a beloved story is like putting on a favourite sweater and curling up on the couch in front of a fire on a cold winter day. It is so cozy.
A few books are so powerful they remain with me and I might never read them again. So powerful they change my view of the world.
This is one of those books. It changed my world and my view of my place in it.
I as non-Indigenous Canadian have spent almost a decade educating myself about Canada and the trauma done the first inhabitants of this country. I know I still have a lot to learn.
This is not the first book I have read by an Indigenous author. It is not the first book I read about reconciliation by an Indigenous author.
It is the first book about reconciliation that spoke to my heart.
I hope every Canadian will read this book and hear its message about reconciliation, but more importantly about love.
December 6, 2022
Namwayut: we are all one.
Chief Robert Joseph is an incredibly special human being. His story aches with pain and loss, and yet the core of who he is, what he believes and hopes for, his resilience, his perseverance, is profound.
As Joseph says, "In spite of what we have experienced, you are each a part of this and you are loved."
Really inspired by Joseph's ability to lean in and transcend barriers and differences. Highly recommend for anyone's reconciliation journey.
"Our culture teaches us to remain in relationship with people. To hold the line, we have to break the silence and witness not only each other's pain, but also our joy, and our hopes. We have to invite in circles of healing wherever we are: in schools, in communities, in homes, in places or worship. When we understand each other, and want to witness each other's emergence, that's when things really begin to change."
TW: abuse
Chief Robert Joseph is an incredibly special human being. His story aches with pain and loss, and yet the core of who he is, what he believes and hopes for, his resilience, his perseverance, is profound.
As Joseph says, "In spite of what we have experienced, you are each a part of this and you are loved."
Really inspired by Joseph's ability to lean in and transcend barriers and differences. Highly recommend for anyone's reconciliation journey.
"Our culture teaches us to remain in relationship with people. To hold the line, we have to break the silence and witness not only each other's pain, but also our joy, and our hopes. We have to invite in circles of healing wherever we are: in schools, in communities, in homes, in places or worship. When we understand each other, and want to witness each other's emergence, that's when things really begin to change."
TW: abuse
December 11, 2022
An incredibly important book that all Canadians should read. Robert Joseph has lived an incredibly difficult life, and the fact that he has come through so much adversity and is looking for ways to make reconciliation a reality in this country is nothing short of inspiring. The book is a little repetitive at times, but it’s inspired me to become more involved in this work, and it honestly feels like a book that has changed my life.
August 8, 2023
For all peoples oppressed everywhere, and for the ones inadvertently, directly, or by association involved in acts of oppression—just read this. It is the balm of wisdom poured out in a humility we can all learn from. I will be bringing a copy to class this year to share with my students…
Chief Robert Joseph: Thank you very much…
…and in the two repressed languages of my own cultural heritage: Go raibh maith agat; Kanien’kéha…
Namwayut.
Chief Robert Joseph: Thank you very much…
…and in the two repressed languages of my own cultural heritage: Go raibh maith agat; Kanien’kéha…
Namwayut.
October 12, 2022
This book creatively weaves personal narrative and autobiography with lessons that resonate with the soul. Patient and mind, he compellingly argues that reconciliation is the right step forward to merge gaps between us. It got slightly repetitive at times but overall, a great read with a message that should be heard by all.
December 30, 2022
A worthwhile read, reflective and focused on the way forward. Particularly enjoyed the insights on the power of apology.
August 24, 2024
Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audiobook ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narrator Evan Adams did a superb job.
I would recommend the book/ebook for the pictures it includes.
.
.
Will write a detailed review in some time.
Audiobook ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Narrator Evan Adams did a superb job.
I would recommend the book/ebook for the pictures it includes.
.
.
Will write a detailed review in some time.
January 17, 2023
Despite the year only just starting, I think this may be the most impactful book I read this year. I think it should be required reading for all Canadians who have a duty to understand the impact of our history of colonialism. Chief Robert Joseph provides a first hand account of physical and cultural genocide through a residential school and makes an incredibly compelling case for reconciliation. What a fantastic testimony to love, mutual respect, and resilience.
October 16, 2022
Wow! Picked this up on a trip to Canada, what an amazing person and leader. The hard work of reconciliation is the only way to address the harm that was and is being done.
September 28, 2022
Exceptional book
The weaving of past, present and future together, serves to tell the story of how people are all the same and yet so different. It is a beautiful story of reconciliation in one man's life that creates a path for every other Canadian. I am deeply touched.
The weaving of past, present and future together, serves to tell the story of how people are all the same and yet so different. It is a beautiful story of reconciliation in one man's life that creates a path for every other Canadian. I am deeply touched.
September 25, 2022
Buy it read it, read it again. Powerful message and everyone should read it.
July 13, 2023
In this autobiography, the author gives us the horrible history of residential schools that indigenous children were forced to attend. I believe this started in the 1850s, and it became much worse in the first half of the 20th century. The children were removed from their families and communities to go to these schools. It was an attempt to assimilate them by taking them away from their language, culture, and communities. Essentially, they were told they were inferior.
The schools should not be called “residential schools”; they were detention centers where children were brutalized and oftentimes sexually molested. They were punished for speaking in their own language. Many children died and were buried in anonymous graves. There was no education to speak of.
Chief Joseph was born on Vancouver Island and he gives us his history of the school he was forced to attend on the island.
This was carried out with the full backing of the Canadian Government and several religious institutions including the Protestant Anglican Church, United Church, and the Roman Catholic Church (Pope Francis apologized for this in April of 2022).
The author believes that reconciliation - meaning the acknowledgement of these grievous human rights violations – needs to be known by all Canadians. This truth needs to be taught in our history. Chief Joseph feels much has been accomplished in the last few decades with the truth coming out. Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized in September of 2010. Chief Joseph strongly believes that an apology is a crucial step in the reconciliation process.
There has been some financial compensation, but not enough I feel. All the survivors would need counseling to re-adjust to life. It took Chief Joseph years to overcome his addiction to alcohol.
Sometimes I found the tone of the book too idealistic. But it is commendable that Chief Joseph is so forgiving of the sufferings he underwent as a young boy. He has found a pathway to healing.
I do question the repeated use of the term “colonized” for what indigenous children underwent. Canada is not ruled by a foreign power who has colonists here. It was the Canadian government and Canadian religious institutions – and the people working in these schools - who inflicted horrible human rights violations on these children and their families. If they are still alive today, they should be put on trial.
This book should be required reading for all Canadians. It should be part of the school curriculum.
It is sadly apparent that across the globe, indigenous people are always being exploited and even enslaved. This is currently happening in Brazil.
The title of the book – “Namwayut” means “those with whom you are one”.
The schools should not be called “residential schools”; they were detention centers where children were brutalized and oftentimes sexually molested. They were punished for speaking in their own language. Many children died and were buried in anonymous graves. There was no education to speak of.
Chief Joseph was born on Vancouver Island and he gives us his history of the school he was forced to attend on the island.
This was carried out with the full backing of the Canadian Government and several religious institutions including the Protestant Anglican Church, United Church, and the Roman Catholic Church (Pope Francis apologized for this in April of 2022).
The author believes that reconciliation - meaning the acknowledgement of these grievous human rights violations – needs to be known by all Canadians. This truth needs to be taught in our history. Chief Joseph feels much has been accomplished in the last few decades with the truth coming out. Prime Minister Stephen Harper apologized in September of 2010. Chief Joseph strongly believes that an apology is a crucial step in the reconciliation process.
There has been some financial compensation, but not enough I feel. All the survivors would need counseling to re-adjust to life. It took Chief Joseph years to overcome his addiction to alcohol.
Sometimes I found the tone of the book too idealistic. But it is commendable that Chief Joseph is so forgiving of the sufferings he underwent as a young boy. He has found a pathway to healing.
I do question the repeated use of the term “colonized” for what indigenous children underwent. Canada is not ruled by a foreign power who has colonists here. It was the Canadian government and Canadian religious institutions – and the people working in these schools - who inflicted horrible human rights violations on these children and their families. If they are still alive today, they should be put on trial.
This book should be required reading for all Canadians. It should be part of the school curriculum.
It is sadly apparent that across the globe, indigenous people are always being exploited and even enslaved. This is currently happening in Brazil.
The title of the book – “Namwayut” means “those with whom you are one”.
June 4, 2023
'Reconciliation embodies the spirit of Namwayut, the idea that we are all one. One people, one community, one environment, one spirit.. the forests, the animals, those that fly and those that swim in the ocean.. Namwayut is one simple word, it is an old-fashioned greeting. But this word also evokes the universe and the universal." -Chief Robert Joseph
This is the testimony and appeal of Chief Robert Joseph of the Kwikwasut'inuxw People. He grew up in Gilford Island, north of Vancouver Island, in a beautiful village nestled between the forest and the ocean. His grandfather took him line-fishing and hunting, for halibut, clams, crabs and abalone. He ate seafood and wild game with his mother. But then he was forcefully marched and taken to residential school and his entire childhood changed. Residential school was ruled by people with excesses of rage, and sexual abuse. The authorities regularly starved the children, feeding them watery oatmeal with crawling worms, even as they harvested an abundance of potatoes, apples and carrots nearby. The teachers would whip the children with leather straps, hurl penetrating insults, sling their hair, or let them wet themselves, as ways to condition them to a character of fearfulness and subservience to authority. They would select some kids aside and abuse them sexually. The full extent of these acts of cruelty were not something Chief Joseph could fully process as a child but they created scars that held him back in self-loathing and alcoholism as an adult.
I've wondered how reconciliation should proceed and Chief Joseph has some ideas. The first is to give Indigenous people the space to speak their truth and be listened to. The next is to change collectively, to acknowledge our common humanity and shared existence, and to change our values to look after each other instead of being torn by hate and discrimination. He stresses the innate value of humans as members of nature, rather than agents of mere economic worth and productivity.
This is the testimony and appeal of Chief Robert Joseph of the Kwikwasut'inuxw People. He grew up in Gilford Island, north of Vancouver Island, in a beautiful village nestled between the forest and the ocean. His grandfather took him line-fishing and hunting, for halibut, clams, crabs and abalone. He ate seafood and wild game with his mother. But then he was forcefully marched and taken to residential school and his entire childhood changed. Residential school was ruled by people with excesses of rage, and sexual abuse. The authorities regularly starved the children, feeding them watery oatmeal with crawling worms, even as they harvested an abundance of potatoes, apples and carrots nearby. The teachers would whip the children with leather straps, hurl penetrating insults, sling their hair, or let them wet themselves, as ways to condition them to a character of fearfulness and subservience to authority. They would select some kids aside and abuse them sexually. The full extent of these acts of cruelty were not something Chief Joseph could fully process as a child but they created scars that held him back in self-loathing and alcoholism as an adult.
I've wondered how reconciliation should proceed and Chief Joseph has some ideas. The first is to give Indigenous people the space to speak their truth and be listened to. The next is to change collectively, to acknowledge our common humanity and shared existence, and to change our values to look after each other instead of being torn by hate and discrimination. He stresses the innate value of humans as members of nature, rather than agents of mere economic worth and productivity.
January 27, 2025
» Chief Dr. Robert Joseph is a true peace-builder whose life and work are bridging the differences brought about by intolerance, lack of understanding, and racism at home [in Canada] and abroad. «
He describes himself as "I'm just little old me. I'm near the end. And I've been through hell and back. And I'm here, just lucky to be here with you." - But he is much more than this. He and his words are inspiring, forgiving, reconciling and he never writes negative or derogatory.
After all, this impressive man has been through - born in 1939, lost both parents in the first years, sent to an indian residential school at the age of five to get assimilated to “being Canadian”, physical, psychological and sexual abused, alcoholism as a result, abandoned by his wife and kids - he finally found his way to reconciliation with himself, his band and every human being.
» Let us - every faith, every colour, every creed - recognize our common humanity. Let us accept the truth that we are all one. «
This man, his story and his mindset is unbelievable and this book an absolute must-read.
He describes himself as "I'm just little old me. I'm near the end. And I've been through hell and back. And I'm here, just lucky to be here with you." - But he is much more than this. He and his words are inspiring, forgiving, reconciling and he never writes negative or derogatory.
After all, this impressive man has been through - born in 1939, lost both parents in the first years, sent to an indian residential school at the age of five to get assimilated to “being Canadian”, physical, psychological and sexual abused, alcoholism as a result, abandoned by his wife and kids - he finally found his way to reconciliation with himself, his band and every human being.
» Let us - every faith, every colour, every creed - recognize our common humanity. Let us accept the truth that we are all one. «
This man, his story and his mindset is unbelievable and this book an absolute must-read.
April 22, 2023
A thoughtful focused book, highly recommended
“As we move away from the darker periods of our history, we must do so with a certainty of conviction that older prevailing attitudes of superiority and inferiority are not a part of the equation. Our sense of collective well-being must be maintained and guarded to protect the integrity of our whole society. Meanwhile, as we contemplate additional newcomers, we must also build the cornerstones to a strong and viable society to which we invite these peoples. Let us have a deeper dialogue about this issue. Let us develop meaningful relationships that honour our past and our present. Let us as citizens in our own communities take responsibility for welcoming our newcomers. Let us encourage our children to walk together where they live. Let us celebrate our differences in diversity into a collective that gives untold richness of fabric and spirit.”
― Chief Robert Joseph, Namwayut—We Are All One, p. 224
“As we move away from the darker periods of our history, we must do so with a certainty of conviction that older prevailing attitudes of superiority and inferiority are not a part of the equation. Our sense of collective well-being must be maintained and guarded to protect the integrity of our whole society. Meanwhile, as we contemplate additional newcomers, we must also build the cornerstones to a strong and viable society to which we invite these peoples. Let us have a deeper dialogue about this issue. Let us develop meaningful relationships that honour our past and our present. Let us as citizens in our own communities take responsibility for welcoming our newcomers. Let us encourage our children to walk together where they live. Let us celebrate our differences in diversity into a collective that gives untold richness of fabric and spirit.”
― Chief Robert Joseph, Namwayut—We Are All One, p. 224
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews