Based on a viral article, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian
Act is the essential guide to understanding the Canadian legal document
and its repercussion on generations of Indigenous peoples, written by a
leading cultural sensitivity trainer.
The Indian Act, after 141 years, continues to shape, control, and
constrain the lives and opportunities of Indigenous peoples, and is at
the root of many lasting stereotypes. Bob Joseph's book comes at a key
time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous
and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo. Joseph explains how
Indigenous peoples can step out from under the Indian Act and return to
self-government, self-determination, and self-reliance - and why doing
so would result in a better country for every Canadian. He dissects the
complex issues around truth and reconciliation, and clearly demonstrates
why learning about the Indian Act's cruel, enduring legacy is essential
for the country to move toward true reconciliation.