Hilda Frances Young: Community connector

This book is well written but difficult to read. The subject is emotional, and political and cultural all at the same time. It makes the “white man” think. It gives respect and validation to the Indigenous people who are destroyed culturally but the inherent racism in Canadian society. The book starts off with a history of the founding of Canada and of the twin cities of Port Arthur and Fort William. That helps put the current / last thirty years situation in perspective. Perhaps the most poignant part of the book is the two maps at the beginning that show the reserves on one page and the location of the main part of Fort William pointing out the “social fabric” where the Indigenous youth congregated. The visual contrast between the two realities is start. The media has focused in the last 20 years on the result of the Indian act, the boarding schools, the 60’s scoop etc. Suggestions to solve the problems have been voiced at all political levels however there has been little follow through so that the systemic problems have continued. This book focuses on what happened in Thunder Bay. It offers solutions and begs for action. I borrowed it from the Petawawa library and took ages to read it. I wish I had bought a copy. It challenges the reader and i suggest it be required reading for anyone interested in seeing how the present day white population responds to the Indigenous reality.