In Celebration of Our Survival: The First Nations of British Columbia - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0774804033 ISBN 13: 9780774804035

Publisher: UBC Press, 1991

Synopsis

For years, aboriginal people have been studied, observed and written about, usually by members of the non-native community. The present volume has been written, compiled and edited by aboriginal peoples from British Columbia who, in telling their own stories, celebrate the survival of the distinct cultures of the First Nations people in the face of decades of colonization and attempts at assimilation.

About this title

About the Author

Doreen Jensen is a Gitksan artist, historian, author, and activist. Cheryl Brooks is a freelance writer and consultant. Both women have worked together on a number of projects in Native culture and art.

Review

The poetry and art, together with the essays, are indeed a fulfilment of the editors' proclaimed hope that readers will not only learn "a lot of new facts," but also "acquire a greater insight into intangibles such as the spirits, hopes, and dreams that are an integral part of aboriginal life ... in British Columbia. (Catherine Rainwater Canadian Literature)

Written, compiled, and edited by aboriginal people," In Celebration of Our Survival is a collection of writers' and artists' offerings to a First Nations-academic discourse on language, oral and written history, education, legislation, and spirituality. It does exhibit spirit and diversity in its efforts to bring together institutionally-based and First Nations discourses. (Celia-Haig Brown American Indian Quarterly)

For years, aboriginal people have been studied, observed, and written about, usually by members of the non-Native community. The present volume has been written, compiled, and edited by aboriginal peoples from British Columbia who, in telling their own stories, celebrate the survival of the distinct cultures of the First Nations People in the face of decades of colonization and attempts at assimilation.

The editors of this volume called upon Native individuals from all walks of life who were recognized by their own people for their knowledge and experience. The contributors were simply asked to tell their story and to write about what they felt was important in creating a portrait of their people. The result is a rich and multifaceted collection of writings, poetry, and art touching on a wide range of topics, including the Constitution, education, language, culture, and native activism.

It is a timely book which, while celebrating the survival of Native culture, also informs us about the issues confronting Native peoples, about the challenges they face in regaining control of their destiny, and about their struggle to maintain their culture.

Edition details

• Publisher: UBC Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0774804033
• ISBN 13: 9780774804035
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 169