Canadian Colonialism: Past and Present

by Boris W. Kishchuk, Natalie A Kishchuk (Editor)

For anyone interested in Canadian history and past and present racism in Canada, this is a thoroughly researched exploration of Canada's history of internal colonialism, starting in the mid-1800s. The author gives thirty examples of Canadian colonialism, Residential Schools; the Sixties Scoop; the forced relocation of Québec Inuit, Nunavut Ahiarmiut and Manitoba Sayisi Dene; coercion of unwed mothers to give up their babies for adoption; the Duplessis Orphans; and the internment of labour leaders and Japanese, Ukrainian and Italian Canadians during World Wars I and II. It also documents how internal colonialism was manifested in state neglect, through famine, disease, poor water quality and flooding, and inadequate child care and social services. The Tsilhqot'in War and the North-West Rebellion illustrate instances of direct attack and subjugation of peoples within Canada. The book also documents embedded racism and discrimination in our institutions against such as the police and military. Its intent is to know and understand a part of Canada's history by drawing together a series of disparate instances of internal colonialism across Canada's post-colonization history, to show how terribly Canadians really treated each other in the development of Canada as a democratic and fair country. Drawing on personal stories from survivors of Canadian colonialism, the book gives a human face to the suffering that was inflicted on countless people over generations, and sheds some light on their consequences.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada

216 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2021

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Canadian Colonialism Past and Present, Boris W Kishchuck presents an impressive list of more than 30 examples of colonialism in Canada including the Indian residential school system, World War One and World War Two internment camps, the Sixties Scoop, forced relocation of Quebec Inuit, mistreatment of women and LGBTQ Canadians in the military and public service and many more. This book is well-researched and provides an excellent overview that, hopefully, will encourage further research that will help us to understand Canada's shameful history of colonialism and the troubling events that were too often ignored and denied. More importantly, we need to examine the consequences of colonial policies and how we can avoid the mistakes of the past.

[Kayleigh Lawrence]

I was so excited to win this book during a Goodreads giveaway, this is exactly the type of book I am interested in reading. My father was indigenous and was taken from his reserve shortly after birth during the 60s scoop, so this subject is very near and dear to my heart so therefore I was intrigued to read about such matters. I'm very glad that awareness is being brought to the many injustices that have happened to the indigenous community throughout history. This book does a great job bringing light to these issues. If this is a topic that you are interested in, I highly recommended this book. Fantastic read and I am very grateful I got the opportunity to read it!

[Wayne Solberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not impressed with the story supplied with this book. It was good at supplying what happened in Canada's history which was not always very nice. I found the author was very opinionated at the history. What we need to remember is the attitudes of the public at this time of the history of Canada. At this time in history the public as well as the elected officials thought they were doing what was proper. We as Canadian's need to be informed what was done at this time of our history and try not to repeat whatever happened then.

[Matt Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise yet detailed and thorough look at the issues that have happened in Canadian History between those in power and those labelled different. Central focus is on indigenous experiences, but others are given their due.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shocking glimpse into Canada’s history of colonialism. The author really goes into detail about the atrocities that Indigenous communities faced at the hands of the Canadian government. This book was well researched and gave the core details of what happened without bias or prejudice.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. This is important for all Canadians to know. While I was familiar with most of the content it was presented in an easy to read format. This book and others like it should be part of school curriculum.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid introduction to Canada's history (and present) of colonialism and racism, but it doesn't provide more than an introduction to any one topic. I would suggest this more as a springboard to find further avenues for research or further reading, rather than a standalone source.

[Mary-Ann Kourko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting read. Well researched. This book should be part of high school history curriculum so that the real history of Canada is taught.

[Beth Oehler]

Basic introduction info.

[Lacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really needs to be in the Educational System!
Starting in Kindergarten! More education is definitely
needed for awareness!

And with all that is happening with the
Canadian Government today,
this book Is a real eye-opener!
A wake-up call, if you will!

Every Canadian should read this!
The whole World should be reading this!

A Goodreads Giveaway.