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True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
From the #1 bestselling author of 'Indian' in the Cabinet, a groundbreaking and accessible roadmap to advancing true reconciliation across Canada.
There is one question Canadians have asked Jody Wilson-Raybould more than any What can I do to help advance reconciliation? It is clear that people from all over the country want to take concrete and tangible action that will make real change. We just need to know how to get started. This book provides that next step. For Wilson-Raybould, what individuals and organizations need to do to advance true reconciliation is self-evident, accessible, and achievable. True Reconciliation is broken down into three core practices—Learn, Understand, and Act—that can be applied by individuals, communities, organizations, and governments.
The practices are based not only on the historical and contemporary experience of Indigenous peoples in their relentless efforts to effect transformative change and decolonization, but also on the deep understanding and expertise about what has been effective in the past, what we are doing right, and wrong, today, and what our collective future requires. Fundamental to a shared way of thinking is an understanding of the Indigenous experience throughout the story of Canada. In a manner that reflects how work is done in the Big House, True Reconciliation features an “oral” history of these lands, told through Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices from our past and present.
The ultimate and attainable goal of True Reconciliation is to break down the silos we’ve created that prevent meaningful change, to be empowered to increasingly act as “inbetweeners,” and to take full advantage of this moment in our history to positively transform the country into a place we can all be proud of.
From the #1 bestselling author of 'Indian' in the Cabinet, a groundbreaking and accessible roadmap to advancing true reconciliation across Canada.
There is one question Canadians have asked Jody Wilson-Raybould more than any What can I do to help advance reconciliation? It is clear that people from all over the country want to take concrete and tangible action that will make real change. We just need to know how to get started. This book provides that next step. For Wilson-Raybould, what individuals and organizations need to do to advance true reconciliation is self-evident, accessible, and achievable. True Reconciliation is broken down into three core practices—Learn, Understand, and Act—that can be applied by individuals, communities, organizations, and governments.
The practices are based not only on the historical and contemporary experience of Indigenous peoples in their relentless efforts to effect transformative change and decolonization, but also on the deep understanding and expertise about what has been effective in the past, what we are doing right, and wrong, today, and what our collective future requires. Fundamental to a shared way of thinking is an understanding of the Indigenous experience throughout the story of Canada. In a manner that reflects how work is done in the Big House, True Reconciliation features an “oral” history of these lands, told through Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices from our past and present.
The ultimate and attainable goal of True Reconciliation is to break down the silos we’ve created that prevent meaningful change, to be empowered to increasingly act as “inbetweeners,” and to take full advantage of this moment in our history to positively transform the country into a place we can all be proud of.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2022
219 people are currently reading
2486 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
December 2, 2022
This was an incredible read. I highly recommend it all folks who want to learn about the history of colonialism in Canada and the struggle Indigenous People still face today from our settler-based capitalistic system.
March 2, 2023
Required Reading
This was a stunning and timely piece of work. Wilson-Raybould has produced yet another thought-provoking and insightful book, following on from the success of her previous work, "Indian" in the Cabinet: Speaking Truth to Power, which I also loved.
What makes True Reconciliation stand out is the meticulous attention to detail and research that Wilson-Raybould has put into it. This is not just another fluffy self-help book - this is a comprehensive and deeply researched guide to decolonizing Canada.
I would go as far as to say that this book should be required reading for all Canadians.
Wilson-Raybould's work is essential in understanding the complex history and cultural dynamics that underpin the country's identity.
As a Metis myself, I found the book particularly moving and enlightening. Wilson-Raybould's insights into the diverse lineages across Canada were truly eye-opening.
Overall, True Reconciliation is a must-read for anyone interested in Canada's history, culture, and future.
It is a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for the past and build a better future.
Wilson-Raybould's work is both inspirational and practical, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A truly moving book.
4.9/5
This was a stunning and timely piece of work. Wilson-Raybould has produced yet another thought-provoking and insightful book, following on from the success of her previous work, "Indian" in the Cabinet: Speaking Truth to Power, which I also loved.
What makes True Reconciliation stand out is the meticulous attention to detail and research that Wilson-Raybould has put into it. This is not just another fluffy self-help book - this is a comprehensive and deeply researched guide to decolonizing Canada.
I would go as far as to say that this book should be required reading for all Canadians.
Wilson-Raybould's work is essential in understanding the complex history and cultural dynamics that underpin the country's identity.
As a Metis myself, I found the book particularly moving and enlightening. Wilson-Raybould's insights into the diverse lineages across Canada were truly eye-opening.
Overall, True Reconciliation is a must-read for anyone interested in Canada's history, culture, and future.
It is a call to action for all of us to take responsibility for the past and build a better future.
Wilson-Raybould's work is both inspirational and practical, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. A truly moving book.
4.9/5
July 20, 2023
Packed with incredible testimonials and the side of Canadian history that many of us missed in classrooms, this book was a brilliantly educational and moving work. An essential read.
November 12, 2022
Insightful discussion of an important topic, and I hope many Canadians read this.
July 12, 2025
4.25/5
JODYYYYY OUR NORTH ISLAND QUEEN 🫶
The most valuable section of this book to me (as a non-indigenous person and teacher making an effort to integrate Indigenous knowledge and ways of being into my practice, pedagogy, and classroom) was Part I - Learn. It was very interesting to hear the quotes of political leaders, historians, Indigenous people, and documents throughout our history that make it so glaringly obvious that Canada was built on a system of oppression and racism. It’s undeniable that we still operate that way, and Wilson-Rayboult offers many tangible steps that lay the groundwork for reconciliation.
JODYYYYY OUR NORTH ISLAND QUEEN 🫶
The most valuable section of this book to me (as a non-indigenous person and teacher making an effort to integrate Indigenous knowledge and ways of being into my practice, pedagogy, and classroom) was Part I - Learn. It was very interesting to hear the quotes of political leaders, historians, Indigenous people, and documents throughout our history that make it so glaringly obvious that Canada was built on a system of oppression and racism. It’s undeniable that we still operate that way, and Wilson-Rayboult offers many tangible steps that lay the groundwork for reconciliation.
February 1, 2023
This was one of the best books I've read about reconciliation and the history of the Canadian government's laws and policies which are related to Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis people. It's extremely thorough, detailed and focused.
My only problem with this reading experience was that I listened to the audio book and think that I should actually have read a physical copy and listened to the audio book at the same time. This is a book that I want to purchase, write notes on (NOT in), and pull direct quotes from. I would have listened to it all over again...But it was a library book, and there was a looong queue of people waiting for it. I wouldn't have felt good about reading it a SECOND time before others hadn't even read it once.
I think that readers should be aware that Wilson-Raybould makes some compelling statements that I found surprising. The first claim that I found surprising was that she stated that the quality of life in Canada is improving for Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis people. She did include some statistics, but when I think about the Indian Act and how dehumanizing it is, and how many communities still don't have safe drinking water, a basic human right, and the ways in which Canadians (yes, that includes me) allow Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis people die in front of us (Joyce Echaquan's passing was infuriating and barely made headline news in parts of Canada), I feel a bit torn.
Wilson-Raybould is part of the Kwak’wala-speaking peoples. And I do not have any heritage connected to Indigenous or Inuit people (although my family are supposedly Métis and can get "status"), so don't listen to my views. But it was interesting to hear her perspective, and Wilson-Raybould's text gave me hope! And when you read a lot of nonfiction about Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis people, it can break your heart. Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City, I'm looking at you.
I finished reading this on the last day of January, and it was a fantastic way to end a fantastic reading month!
I'm going to give a star rating to this book in the hopes that Shawn the Book Maniac reads it :) But more than that, I hope you read it, too. Because, in my humble opinion, this is a book that everyone should read.
[Audiobook, borrowed from library]
My only problem with this reading experience was that I listened to the audio book and think that I should actually have read a physical copy and listened to the audio book at the same time. This is a book that I want to purchase, write notes on (NOT in), and pull direct quotes from. I would have listened to it all over again...But it was a library book, and there was a looong queue of people waiting for it. I wouldn't have felt good about reading it a SECOND time before others hadn't even read it once.
I think that readers should be aware that Wilson-Raybould makes some compelling statements that I found surprising. The first claim that I found surprising was that she stated that the quality of life in Canada is improving for Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis people. She did include some statistics, but when I think about the Indian Act and how dehumanizing it is, and how many communities still don't have safe drinking water, a basic human right, and the ways in which Canadians (yes, that includes me) allow Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis people die in front of us (Joyce Echaquan's passing was infuriating and barely made headline news in parts of Canada), I feel a bit torn.
Wilson-Raybould is part of the Kwak’wala-speaking peoples. And I do not have any heritage connected to Indigenous or Inuit people (although my family are supposedly Métis and can get "status"), so don't listen to my views. But it was interesting to hear her perspective, and Wilson-Raybould's text gave me hope! And when you read a lot of nonfiction about Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis people, it can break your heart. Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City, I'm looking at you.
I finished reading this on the last day of January, and it was a fantastic way to end a fantastic reading month!
I'm going to give a star rating to this book in the hopes that Shawn the Book Maniac reads it :) But more than that, I hope you read it, too. Because, in my humble opinion, this is a book that everyone should read.
[Audiobook, borrowed from library]
January 18, 2023
I liked the way this book was set into three parts: Learn, Understand and Act. I appreciate all the information on the history. I will say that I am left with a felling of being overwhelmed by the complexity of True Reconciliation.
June 15, 2025
A book that should be brought into all high schools and post secondary classes. On a topic that is so hot right now, I wasn't sure how much of an "easy read" this was going to be. It turns out Jody was able to make a page turner while also making a difference.
What I loved most about this book was the chronological history of Indigenous and Colonial relationships by means of using quotes from each respective group. This made it much more of a personal and tangible understanding of what took place over the couple hundred years or so since the arrival of colonizers up until now.
"Learning" and "Understanding" are here two first steps to True Reconciliation. Now I'm curious to see how the third step plays into my life. To "Act".
My first "act" is recommending you all read this book!
What I loved most about this book was the chronological history of Indigenous and Colonial relationships by means of using quotes from each respective group. This made it much more of a personal and tangible understanding of what took place over the couple hundred years or so since the arrival of colonizers up until now.
"Learning" and "Understanding" are here two first steps to True Reconciliation. Now I'm curious to see how the third step plays into my life. To "Act".
My first "act" is recommending you all read this book!
May 10, 2023
Accessible and informative read that takes you through the core aspects of truth and what it takes to move towards reconciliation.
October 16, 2025
Audiobook: Seriously disturbing to understand how calculated the extermination and theft of the land of Indigenous and First Nations peoples was and how those systems are still at play today.
It’s every part upsetting, horrifying, and heartbreaking but also deeply educational. An essential read for all Canadians.
It’s every part upsetting, horrifying, and heartbreaking but also deeply educational. An essential read for all Canadians.
June 3, 2024
I think I picked the perfect first book to read about Reconciliation. Really well laid out, and easy to read. I think she could probably have written a book for each of the three sections. I’ll definitely read more by this author.
November 4, 2024
True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change by Jody Wilson-Raybould has been on my tbr for a couple years now and I’m so glad I finally read it. This is essential reading! I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author. I liked the straight forward writing. This book delves into the history of the Indian Act and residential schools and the colonization of Canada. I liked the inclusion of a reading list and this line that “true reconciliation doesn’t happen once a year on a holiday”. I’m eager to read her new book too! I already got a copy!
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada Audiobooks via NetGalley for my copy!
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada Audiobooks via NetGalley for my copy!
December 15, 2022
Reconciliation
"Reconciliation is sometimes used to refer to building proper relationships, including repairing, and healing the wrongs that have happened.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) defined reconciliation as “establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country.” For that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.
In recent years, the term reconciliation has also become closely associated with the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples. While the UN Declaration does not use the term, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for the Declaration to be adopted as the framework for reconciliation by governments, communities, and organizations.
The Report of the Royal Commission on the Aboriginal Peoples released in 1996 was a comprehensive study and plan, including 440 recommendations for what needed to happen in terms of Indigenous rights implementation and relationship building in Canada.
In 2015, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report, Honoring the Truth – Reconciling for the Future, provided 94 calls to action in response to the history and impacts of the Residential Schools System.
In 2019, the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) reclaiming power and place had 231 calls for justice and laid out how to address disproportionate violence towards Indigenous women and girls.
Yet, with all this knowledge and development of solutions the challenges still feel intractable."
"Reconciliation is sometimes used to refer to building proper relationships, including repairing, and healing the wrongs that have happened.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) defined reconciliation as “establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in this country.” For that to happen, there has to be awareness of the past, acknowledgement of the harm that has been inflicted, atonement for the causes, and action to change behaviour.
In recent years, the term reconciliation has also become closely associated with the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples. While the UN Declaration does not use the term, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for the Declaration to be adopted as the framework for reconciliation by governments, communities, and organizations.
The Report of the Royal Commission on the Aboriginal Peoples released in 1996 was a comprehensive study and plan, including 440 recommendations for what needed to happen in terms of Indigenous rights implementation and relationship building in Canada.
In 2015, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report, Honoring the Truth – Reconciling for the Future, provided 94 calls to action in response to the history and impacts of the Residential Schools System.
In 2019, the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) reclaiming power and place had 231 calls for justice and laid out how to address disproportionate violence towards Indigenous women and girls.
Yet, with all this knowledge and development of solutions the challenges still feel intractable."
February 19, 2023
I really liked Part 2! Tracks 1 and 2 are an excellent framework and thesis for the book.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Part 1. I understand what JWR was trying to do vis-à-vis using oral history to tell the history of First Nations in Canada, but I thought the approach was limited. It didn’t allow for enough (or in some cases, for any) explanation of the different historical events being covered, and historical quotations are less accessible to/ engaging for readers. I do think the book suffers a bit from being so spread out; covering so much ground leaves less room for more focused and in-depth analysis of a particular issue.
You can see JWR’s law background come out throughout. In some ways, it was an excellent addition, such as how she builds up the very solid legal basis that First Nations land claims are based on, which is often missing from popular discussions. In other ways, such as how Part 1 comprises of a bunch of quotes of legal decisions, it leads to the book being more dry than it needs to be.
I did love the snippet we got from Indian in the Cabinet though…very interesting and juicy. Definitely on my to-read list now.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Part 1. I understand what JWR was trying to do vis-à-vis using oral history to tell the history of First Nations in Canada, but I thought the approach was limited. It didn’t allow for enough (or in some cases, for any) explanation of the different historical events being covered, and historical quotations are less accessible to/ engaging for readers. I do think the book suffers a bit from being so spread out; covering so much ground leaves less room for more focused and in-depth analysis of a particular issue.
You can see JWR’s law background come out throughout. In some ways, it was an excellent addition, such as how she builds up the very solid legal basis that First Nations land claims are based on, which is often missing from popular discussions. In other ways, such as how Part 1 comprises of a bunch of quotes of legal decisions, it leads to the book being more dry than it needs to be.
I did love the snippet we got from Indian in the Cabinet though…very interesting and juicy. Definitely on my to-read list now.
October 1, 2023
There are many moments in reading this book that forced me to pause, reflect, and recollect myself. There is so much thought, depth, and profoundness in each word.
I loved the collection of diverse testimonies. Equally important is the emphasis and explanation of plurality in traditions, experience, and realities of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. I truly appreciate her weaving in economic reality and the need for political coherence in the path to reconciliation.
This is likely a book I will keep re-reading. The simple messages of "knowledge, understand and act" and "challenging, elevating, and advancing" - are pragmatic and reasonable frameworks on the path to Reconciliation.
I loved the collection of diverse testimonies. Equally important is the emphasis and explanation of plurality in traditions, experience, and realities of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. I truly appreciate her weaving in economic reality and the need for political coherence in the path to reconciliation.
This is likely a book I will keep re-reading. The simple messages of "knowledge, understand and act" and "challenging, elevating, and advancing" - are pragmatic and reasonable frameworks on the path to Reconciliation.
March 3, 2024
Injustice is very triggering for me so as a newcomer to Canada it was a very interesting for me to understand how the indigenous people want to approach the injustice they live with. The approach in the book is very democratic and reasonable. I totally agree that lasting peace can be done this way but if all parties are aligned. I sincerely hope this peace and justice will be achieved sooner than later.
February 1, 2024
I learned more about colonial history in Canada and its impact on Indigenous peoples than I have in several other writings on the topic. JWR’s inclusion of primary communications between Indigenous leaders and Canadian government officials was especially impactful. I also liked that this book was organized into three sections: Learn, Understand, Act.
January 12, 2025
Good history of the issues that created a need for reconciliation, although I think it’s fair to say most of that part of the book has been stated frequently over the last 10 years. Author makes a reasonable plea for the non-Indigenous to become allies to bring about reconciliation, which the author notes is more than just performative action.
September 2, 2025
This was such a good read! I want this to be a textbook for Canadian history 30 in sask. So much history, mixed with clear explanations, realistic problem solving, and the demand for more to be done. Really enjoyed this.
September 27, 2023
This is a must read. Three part structure, based on three core practices Learn, Understand and Act was very well executed. I really liked the discussion around what Reconciliation means and how it is a marathon not a sprint despite how it's treated. Very thought-provoking and insightful.
November 18, 2023
Read in preparation for a lecture from the author; very interesting and insightful, left me thinking a lot.
February 7, 2025
Really interesting and informative. Each chapter could have been its own book.
July 2, 2024
An important, difficult read.
June 20, 2025
a must read for those looking to understand what reconciliation actually entails.
December 13, 2022
A great read for Canadians for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people! Love the BC First Nations stories! Great views on colonialism, systemic racism and societal issues and importantly, how to implement change, like real change for future generations. Growing up in Canada as a female, visible minority, we learned about fur trading and Louis Riel which is very little about the First Nations too. It takes a village to bring people together. It is more than an event or moment to be better collectively.🪶🧡
April 10, 2024
I was really pleasantly surprised by this one. I didn’t have any expectations; just picked this up at random cuz the audiobook was available at the library. It’s very accessible and has an interesting tone; the tone tied to her notion of in-betweeners. I liked that concept and I want to know - can a white settler such as myself be an in-betweener? Or is this role for Indigenous people only? I’m curious because she gave an example of a white settler woman who acted as a brave ally, but Wilson-Raybould doesn’t use the word “ally”… I don’t think. Was that woman also an in-betweener? Great thought provoking end.
March 2, 2023
Listened to the author read it. I found the first part interesting and well done, even as it is not new territory; the rest still lacks concreteness for me, as it continues the exhortation that things need to change, but with little new or helpful suggestions as to how. I super liked her observation of how the idea we have of ‘Canadian’ IS in fact informed by the merging of three different cultures (not French and English, but also Indigenous) in that the bias to inclusion or the ‘Canadian’ cultural trait of ‘fairness’
- however true- actually comes from indigenous values, which she explains… I get excited at seeing that kind of recognition as it is so integrated and seems honest somehow or tangible, the idea that we aren’t making this up, we ARE all here together. Something about finding points of connection and sharing upon which to build rather than constant focus on the (true) points of division and contention and difference, which seem unscalable. I get her marathon not sprint analogy and appreciate it and how everything we do seems a sprint and then a loooooong ‘rest’ instead of sustained ongoing work, but it’s a tough and complicated thing, reconciliation, with no clear vision- maybe ‘accessible’ vision is more apt- of what exactly we are all pulling for or should be. I appreciate her reminder that ‘performative’ acts don’t really DO anything, and can end up replacing anything tangible, which I see more and more… but she didn’t give me much to DO other than be on the right side of things. It also seems clear that although she stresses a whole country inclusive and valuing all, the vision she is describing for reconciliation is more equal partnership between sovereign bodies, which makes sense, but is also somewhat contradictory. I appreciate her well laid out explanation of how Indigenous people were ignored and left out in the ‘two nations’ narrative of Canada, and it would seem the goal is to wind things back to the understanding the Indigenous people and the settlers at the time came to, of cooperating as equals- so that’s one clear goal, except that a bunch of time and government decisions and real concrete stuff has happened in the meantime, and ‘Indigenous people’ is a catch all for beaucoup distinct nations- so is the role and goal of an ‘in-betweener’ just to challenge and make things uncomfortable for the status quo? And having conversations with indigenous people about reconciliation over dinners… are all indigenous people now responsible for holding this position, for ‘representing’? I tried to put myself in the position of doing this one concrete suggestion (other than supporting reconciliation by donating money or giving property) and imagined inviting the indigenous people I know to dinner for this purpose and it seemed incredibly disrespectful and aggressive… actually, I just like you as a person and would want to hang out because of you, not your indigenaety. Not that these conversations aren’t wildly important. Just musing on how challenging this is to effect on a personal level. Stuff to muse on so glad to have read it but not left too inspired.
- however true- actually comes from indigenous values, which she explains… I get excited at seeing that kind of recognition as it is so integrated and seems honest somehow or tangible, the idea that we aren’t making this up, we ARE all here together. Something about finding points of connection and sharing upon which to build rather than constant focus on the (true) points of division and contention and difference, which seem unscalable. I get her marathon not sprint analogy and appreciate it and how everything we do seems a sprint and then a loooooong ‘rest’ instead of sustained ongoing work, but it’s a tough and complicated thing, reconciliation, with no clear vision- maybe ‘accessible’ vision is more apt- of what exactly we are all pulling for or should be. I appreciate her reminder that ‘performative’ acts don’t really DO anything, and can end up replacing anything tangible, which I see more and more… but she didn’t give me much to DO other than be on the right side of things. It also seems clear that although she stresses a whole country inclusive and valuing all, the vision she is describing for reconciliation is more equal partnership between sovereign bodies, which makes sense, but is also somewhat contradictory. I appreciate her well laid out explanation of how Indigenous people were ignored and left out in the ‘two nations’ narrative of Canada, and it would seem the goal is to wind things back to the understanding the Indigenous people and the settlers at the time came to, of cooperating as equals- so that’s one clear goal, except that a bunch of time and government decisions and real concrete stuff has happened in the meantime, and ‘Indigenous people’ is a catch all for beaucoup distinct nations- so is the role and goal of an ‘in-betweener’ just to challenge and make things uncomfortable for the status quo? And having conversations with indigenous people about reconciliation over dinners… are all indigenous people now responsible for holding this position, for ‘representing’? I tried to put myself in the position of doing this one concrete suggestion (other than supporting reconciliation by donating money or giving property) and imagined inviting the indigenous people I know to dinner for this purpose and it seemed incredibly disrespectful and aggressive… actually, I just like you as a person and would want to hang out because of you, not your indigenaety. Not that these conversations aren’t wildly important. Just musing on how challenging this is to effect on a personal level. Stuff to muse on so glad to have read it but not left too inspired.
January 12, 2024
Her best book so far! Clear ideas, essential content, inspiring direction.
My favourite messages: “Challenge, elevate, advance” and “Marathon, not a sprint”
My favourite messages: “Challenge, elevate, advance” and “Marathon, not a sprint”
July 25, 2024
True Reconciliation guides us on what reconciliation means, the importance of reconciliation to non-indigenous and Indigenous, and how to achieve it. Jody Wison-Raybould's aim and motivation have been to answer the frequently asked question - "What can I do to help advance reconciliation?" But answers, she admits, can be "elusive".
The book presents three parts: Learn, Understand, and Act. Learn is a collection of readings from historical documents, legislations, speeches and reflections to build the awareness of the relations of settler to indigenous. It's like a reader that begins with the indigenous creation story, and ends with words from Governor General Mary Simon. Between beginning and end there are many very disturbing truths. All contribute to advancing our learning.
" I think it is clear from our history that while we are continuing to move forward, there are patterns of thought, action, and circumstance that are deeply entrenched as part of the l3egacy of colonialism " (p. 177)
Part 2 - Understand - takes in worldview - we perceive the world through our particular worldviews from youth and changing through our lives. They determine the actions we take and the society we shape. If you see it as dangerous and hostile, you and your society will build walls and oppress others. Indigenous and Europeans have many different worldviews - to come to a mutual understanding, we need to recognize the distinctions. Wilson-Raybould describes how the European worldviews have created Canada and is considered what it is to be Canadian. This is especially evident in the structures of our political system - where collective consensus building is very little evident.
"At the heart of Understanding is seeing things in ways we have not seen before" -- the connections - "the one between our worldviews and the world we create - true reconciliation requires examining how Indigenous worldviews are distinct and how they must inform the ways in which we organize Canada and our communities and society -- the second - between the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights and the addressing social and economic inequalities." (p 263)
Part 3 - Act - it is not a "sprint," says Wilson-Raybould. It's not little one-offs; it's a "marathon," and reconciliation will only come from sustained action. As one example, removing statues is, as Senator Murray Sinclair said, "counterproductive." "Land acknowledgements" are not sufficient and very often meaningless. She calls for actions that "challenge, elevate, and advance" (p.306). We must learn, understand, act - "with intention, consistency and focus."
This is an excellent guide for all - starting with our governments - in bringing our nation to true reconciliation and a society that recognizes and respects multiple worldviews and is thereby enriched.
It is a memorable book that I will add to my library to re-read often and that I hope Canadians heed.
The book presents three parts: Learn, Understand, and Act. Learn is a collection of readings from historical documents, legislations, speeches and reflections to build the awareness of the relations of settler to indigenous. It's like a reader that begins with the indigenous creation story, and ends with words from Governor General Mary Simon. Between beginning and end there are many very disturbing truths. All contribute to advancing our learning.
" I think it is clear from our history that while we are continuing to move forward, there are patterns of thought, action, and circumstance that are deeply entrenched as part of the l3egacy of colonialism " (p. 177)
Part 2 - Understand - takes in worldview - we perceive the world through our particular worldviews from youth and changing through our lives. They determine the actions we take and the society we shape. If you see it as dangerous and hostile, you and your society will build walls and oppress others. Indigenous and Europeans have many different worldviews - to come to a mutual understanding, we need to recognize the distinctions. Wilson-Raybould describes how the European worldviews have created Canada and is considered what it is to be Canadian. This is especially evident in the structures of our political system - where collective consensus building is very little evident.
"At the heart of Understanding is seeing things in ways we have not seen before" -- the connections - "the one between our worldviews and the world we create - true reconciliation requires examining how Indigenous worldviews are distinct and how they must inform the ways in which we organize Canada and our communities and society -- the second - between the recognition and implementation of Indigenous rights and the addressing social and economic inequalities." (p 263)
Part 3 - Act - it is not a "sprint," says Wilson-Raybould. It's not little one-offs; it's a "marathon," and reconciliation will only come from sustained action. As one example, removing statues is, as Senator Murray Sinclair said, "counterproductive." "Land acknowledgements" are not sufficient and very often meaningless. She calls for actions that "challenge, elevate, and advance" (p.306). We must learn, understand, act - "with intention, consistency and focus."
This is an excellent guide for all - starting with our governments - in bringing our nation to true reconciliation and a society that recognizes and respects multiple worldviews and is thereby enriched.
It is a memorable book that I will add to my library to re-read often and that I hope Canadians heed.
April 28, 2025
For me, this book is 5 stars. It is skilfully written in a very readable fashion. It helps you understand various terms that are widely used, e.g. privilege, colonialism and provides wonderful context to the issues of reconciliation between the settlers and the Indigenous people, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Wilson-Raybould is a native of British Columbia and most of the examples used relate to the BC experience.
The book is set out in 3 tranches: Learn, Understand and Act. The Learnings are those of the history of Canada, and illustrated by quotes from both government and (white) individuals, as well as Indigenous quotes and extracts. A good history of Canada especially after Confederation, including the views of Indigenous people, of whom very few are found in our school textbooks - the exception being Louis Riel. The emphasis shifted from alliances with Indigenous peoples for military purposes to control,subjugation and a desire to ‘civilise’ them. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is discussed, along with various studies of Indigenous People (wherein many or even most of the resulting recommendations still have not been adopted), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls.
Understanding focuses on the term reconciliation, reconciliation actions and results of reconciliation to date. It discusses the differences in the ‘worldviews’ of settlers and Indigenous people. “Worldviews help determine the actions we choose to take and the worlds we create. They heavily influence us when we act as individuals and they shape the society we build, our laws, institutions and systems of government.” “Social and economic disparities and Indigenous rights are completely intertwined and interconnected.” One cannot address one without addressing the other. Track 1 is closing the gap on socio-economic issues, e.g. clean drinking water, access to education, rate of kids in care. Track 2 involves making changes to laws, policies and practices: supporting Indigenous nations in rebuilding their government systems and implement arming their right of self-government. Wow, that’s immense!
Part 3 goes into the actions of true reconciliation to date - a marathon, not a sprint. Performative acts of reconciliation are symbolic, e.g.removing statues, changing street names, wearing orange t-shirts. They do not meet the objectives of Track 1 or 2.
An important book in the Canadian sphere, I will have to read it at least one more time to really grasp more of it.
The book is set out in 3 tranches: Learn, Understand and Act. The Learnings are those of the history of Canada, and illustrated by quotes from both government and (white) individuals, as well as Indigenous quotes and extracts. A good history of Canada especially after Confederation, including the views of Indigenous people, of whom very few are found in our school textbooks - the exception being Louis Riel. The emphasis shifted from alliances with Indigenous peoples for military purposes to control,subjugation and a desire to ‘civilise’ them. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is discussed, along with various studies of Indigenous People (wherein many or even most of the resulting recommendations still have not been adopted), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls.
Understanding focuses on the term reconciliation, reconciliation actions and results of reconciliation to date. It discusses the differences in the ‘worldviews’ of settlers and Indigenous people. “Worldviews help determine the actions we choose to take and the worlds we create. They heavily influence us when we act as individuals and they shape the society we build, our laws, institutions and systems of government.” “Social and economic disparities and Indigenous rights are completely intertwined and interconnected.” One cannot address one without addressing the other. Track 1 is closing the gap on socio-economic issues, e.g. clean drinking water, access to education, rate of kids in care. Track 2 involves making changes to laws, policies and practices: supporting Indigenous nations in rebuilding their government systems and implement arming their right of self-government. Wow, that’s immense!
Part 3 goes into the actions of true reconciliation to date - a marathon, not a sprint. Performative acts of reconciliation are symbolic, e.g.removing statues, changing street names, wearing orange t-shirts. They do not meet the objectives of Track 1 or 2.
An important book in the Canadian sphere, I will have to read it at least one more time to really grasp more of it.
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