“Racism is at the heart of Canada and still impacts Indigenous Peoples’ lives.” Reynolds exposes Canada’s colonial Empire roots, the evolution of colonialism, and its persistent effects. As Professor Emeritus of Law at UBC, he brings decades of extensive research on Indigenous legal issues and hands-on expertise advocating for Indigenous Peoples rights. Reynolds comprehensively analyzes the systematic injustices and power imbalances towards global Indigenous Peoples throughout history. “Racism was fundamental to colonialism and racist language was a tool to justify it.” He recognizes the need to balance historical accuracy with the “minefield” of outdated terminology like “Indian.” Making complex, racist historical and legal policies accessible to readers, Reynolds quotes former Prime Ministers, Indian Agents, and racist imperialists, further evidencing how Canada’s a leading example of settler colonialism.

Reynolds hopes these historical insights, and Canada’s current progress toward becoming more multi-cultural and egalitarian, will help efforts for reconciliation and reassessing current policies to decolonize and dismantle systematic racism. Essential reading and reference source.

Cautions / Content Warnings: Some original historic material is offensive (noted by the author) and for mature readers.
Other End Matter: Acknowledgements, end notes (58 pages), index (19 pages), 27 recommended books
Images: B&W photographs, B&W illustrations
Bibliography: Yes
Index: Yes

Evaluator: Denise N., High School Librarian, BC Books for Schools

Jim Reynolds' profile page

Jim Reynolds spent over four decades serving as legal counsel to First Nations in Canada, including thirteen years as general counsel for the Musqueam Band. Now retired from active practice, he writes on colonialism and Aboriginal law in Canada. He holds a PhD from the London School of Economics, where he also taught. His most recent books include Aboriginal Peoples and the Law: A Critical Introduction and From Wardship to Rights: The Guerin Case and Aboriginal Law. He lives in Vancouver, BC.

"This is not a book of mere academic interest: it is driven by a deeply held commitment to ensure that all Canadians, particularly those of settler background, understand the ways in which colonialism has not only shaped but also inhibited movement towards meaningful reconciliation."

BC Studies