Canada's First Nations: A History of Founding Peoples from Earliest Times is the fourth edition of Olive Dickason's highly acclaimed history of First Nations told from the Native perspective. This Métis historian uses an interdisciplinary approach to tell the story of Aboriginal Peoples in what became known as Canada. She describes the richness, variety and complexity of 57 founding First Nations. The coming of Europeans and the impact on the traditional societies are described and analyzed. Dickason examines the role of government and its relationship with Aboriginal People during the 19th and 20th centuries. While she explores the larger context of Indian-White relations, Dickason identifies key people such as Pontiac, Membertou, Tecumseh, Big Bear, Abe Opik and Elijah Harper who have responded to colonialism with political sophistication. Part Five of this sweeping history examines the contemporary issues surrounding land claims, self-government and economic development. This newly revised edition contains 20 additional photographs, undated information on issues such as land claims and disputes, and an appendix listing National Historic Sites Commemorating Aboriginal History in Canada. Another valuable addition is the inclusion of a time line at the beginning of each chapter. Topics receiving new treatment include residential schools, Burnt Church, Nunavut, Davis Inlet, Bill C-31, Métis hunting rights, child welfare, and Indian Act revisions. The new layout and additional information make this edition a valuable resource for Native Studies. This newly revised fourth edition contains a new chapter by Métis historian David McNab. These recent issues include the impact of climate change in the Arctic; the Tsawwassen land claims agreement in B.C.; the Ipperwash Inquiry; the land reclamation by Six Nations of the Grand River at Caledonia; and the residential school apology delivered by the Prime Minister in 2008. A recommended text for anyone interested in understanding the true history of Canada. Suggested resource for Grade 10 Aboriginal Peoples in Canada course, Ontario Ministry of Education Course Profile. Canada's First Nations is an authorized teaching resource for Alberta Learning grade 10, 11, and 12 courses.
