Gordon Gibson

The current system is not working. The suicide rate in the Indian population is double the national rate, teenage pregnancy is 18 times higher and only 30% of reserve students enrolled in Grade 12 graduate compared to 70% of all Canadians. Gibson explains how we got here and how he thinks we should change the system to get Indians into the 21st century. Note this book is about Indians since they are covered by the Indian Act which is Gibson's focus. Other Aborigine groups such as Inuit and Metis are not part of this analysis.
He thinks change is going to be difficult since the Department of Indian Affairs and the chiefs & reserve councilors like the current system because it provides jobs in the Civil Service and little scrutiny of where the money goes on the reserve.… (meer)

Mr. Gibson has done a lot of research into and thinking about Canadian policy related to Indians. His main thesis is that government policy should focus more on helping individual Indians, whether they choose to live on or off reserve. And that it be a real choice is important. He is critical of federal and provincial policies, and of Indian leaders who promote the collective at the expense of individual well being.

Mr. Gibson has written a reasoned and thought-provoking book. His ideas will be seen as logical by some, and as assimilationist by others. Whether or not you agree with him, this book is worth reading. He's often presented alternate points of view, and you will come away with a deeper understanding of challenges facing individuals and goverment leaders.… (meer)