The Best of Chief Dan George - Softcover

Dan George; Helmut Hirnschall

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0888395442 ISBN 13: 9780888395443

Publisher: Hancock House Publishers, 2017

Synopsis

This book combines the two best sellers My Heart Soars & My Spirit Soars in one volume, 63 poems fully illustrated, eloquently illustrated throughout by Helmut Hirnschall. Included in this edition is the Lament for Confederation by Chief Dan George. Poetic and spiritual, this book has a universal message to all people. Chief Dan George was an accomplished performer, poet, philosopher, champion of Native peoples and loving patriarch of a large family.

About this title

About the Author

Chief Dan George (1899–1981) was a revered performer, poet, philosopher, and champion of First Nations peoples. Born on a Salish Band reserve on Burrard Inlet, North Vancouver, he was sent to a residential school at five, an experience that distanced him from his family, language, and culture. After working in forestry and as a longshoreman to support his wife, Amy, and their children, he found joy performing country and western music with his family as Dan George and His Indian Entertainers. In his sixties, he launched an acting career, earning an Academy Award nomination for Little Big Man (1970) and starring in films like The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976). Beyond acting, he was a gifted writer and advocate, known for My Heart Soars, My Spirit Soars, and his powerful 1967 speech, Lament for Confederation, which critiqued colonialism and called for Indigenous rights. Until his passing in 1981, he remained a respected elder, storyteller, and advocate, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the preservation of Indigenous culture, wisdom, and resilience.

From the Back Cover

Best of Chief Dan George is a poignant compilation that brings together the revered works of Chief Dan George, including "My Heart Soars" and "My Spirit Soars," enriched with 95 black and white illustrations. This volume also features his powerful "Lament for Confederation," offering a deep reflection on the challenges and aspirations of Indigenous peoples and the natural world. Chief Dan George, an esteemed leader, poet, and actor, shares his wisdom and insights, drawing from his rich life experiences and deep connection to his cultural heritage. His works continue to inspire and resonate, even generations later, calling for understanding and respect towards indigenous cultures, stewardship of our wild places, and our connections with each other and the world we live in.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hancock House Publishers
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0888395442
• ISBN 13: 9780888395443
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128