Daniel Francis

This encyclopedia provides regional and provincial information on all things British Columbia. The reading level is mature and substantial enough for young adults, intermediate students may find it daunting. I have used the encyclopedia for background information related to Coast Salish art, he article was very helpful. Encyclopedia BC outlines BC history, and provides maps, photos, and video links. Overall, I would say it is a reliable academic source for information in and about our province. I would recommend it as a teacher resource and for middle / high school students. We are fortunate that our district subscribes to this online encyclopedia.… (meer)

The Indian is a familiar icon in Canadian culture. In this book, Daniel Francis shows us that the iconic Indian is largely imaginary -- made up by non-Aboriginals based on fears, prejudices and romanticised ideals.

From the beginning, Indians were treated as something less than fully developed individual people or communities. The name Indian itself comes from Columbus not knowing where he was. Plains Indians had little in common with those from the west or east coasts, yet were lumped together as one group of people.

As the government tried to assimilate Indians, they wanted to modernize their image: to show them as farmers rather than as warriors. Environmentalists appropriated the Indian as a true steward of the earth. No one just let them be who they were.

Leaving our Indians -- and other aboriginal peeoples -- with similar problems today. Stereotypical thinking abounds, some of it good, but most of it not.

This book deepened my understanding of Canada's cultural views towards First Nations. I wish Mr. Francis would bring his book up to date by examining current images and beliefs surrounding issues like the barracades in Caledonia, Ontario or the Oka crisis.… (meer)