21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality written by Bob Joseph founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc. is a member of the Gwawaenuk Nation. This 178-page book is an essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussion on generations of First Nations, written by a leading cultural sensitivity trainer. Since its creation in 1876, the Indian Act has shaped, controlled, and constrained the lives and opportunities of First Nations, and is at the root of many enduring stereotypes. In the first 105 pages the author writes with clarity about the history of this legislation that defines a First Nation person from birth to death. Using everyday language interspersed with humour he allows secondary level students as well as the general public access to a piece of legislation not many Canadians understand. The remainder of the book provides lists such as a chronology of residential school history, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action, and terminology. Also provided are selected classroom activities and discussion questions and selected quotes from John A. Macdonald and Duncan Campbell Scott. This highly recommended book is a must have for secondary schools (Civics and Citizenship 10) as well as public libraries.
