The Spawning Grounds by Gail Anderson-Dargatz

The Spawning Grounds is a sensitive look at the relationship between a First Nations Community and their white, farming neighbours.  While Stew is set to sell his farm to developers, the Secwepenc (Shuswap) community is protesting the encroaching development.

The cultural and spiritual differences of the two groups leads to troubles for both.  At risk is the further destruction of the salmon spawning grounds which lie in the river between their settlements.  If they could work together to find a way to resolve their differences, create an understanding, then they might save the salmon at the same time.

In the middle of this confusion is Brandon, the grandson of the white land owner.  After a near drowning the river, he undergoes a major personality change which his father attributes to mental illness.  His neighbour Alex, from across the river, views his illness differently, as a possession by the  the mystery, a spirit trapped in the river.  He knows that if they can find the reason for the spirit remaining in the river instead of travelling the path of the dead, then they can save Brandon and possibly even save the salmon.

I was drawn into this story from the opening pages.  Learning the history of the area and the creation of the mystery seemed in keeping with other First Nations stories I have read.  Both sides viewed the issues as them versus us and both were adamant that they were right.  It was interesting to see how Brandon's sister Hannah looked at both sides and attempted to find a way to bridge the two belief systems.

While Ms. Anderson-Dargatz is not a First Nations author, she presents both sides in a fair and honest manner.  I enjoyed her writing style and look forward to reading some of her earlier works.

Thanks to Penguin Random House for my review copy and for use of the cover image.

FIrst Nations Friday : Peace Pipe Dreams: The Truth about Lies about Indians by Darrell Dennis

First Nations Friday is an occasional post where I review books written by First Nations, Metis and Inuit authors.

Who are these people we live amongst. They live in towns, in cities and on reserves.  I say that we, the foreign arrivals to this land, live among them even though they are  the smaller population.  We used to call them Indians but now they are referred to as First Nations, Metis and Inuit, or by the proper name of their Nation.  They were here first and choose to share their  land with us, the newcomers.

With this being true, why is it that so many Canadians know so little about our neighbours and much of what we claim to know is wrong.  What little I learned in school was from fourth grade and comprised the role that some un-named Indians helped Laura Secord carry word to General Brock about an invasion across the Niagara River. Wow, not much.  Probably something was discussed about teepees and long houses and buffalo, but that was the end of it.

Talk about inadequate.

As an adult, I'm much wider read and have learned quite a bit, but still feel that I am missing the majority of this significant history.  Darrell Dennis's book Peace Pipe Dreams: The Truth about Lies About Indians has cleared up a lot of mis-information and gaps that I had.  This book should be required reading in all Canadian civics classes as well as for all persons desiring to become Canadian citizens.

It is well written, with clear explanations and examples where required.  Topics that could have been heavy and sleep inducing are kept to manageable bites of information. The depth of details should be suitable for most readers.  Source information is cited for those wanting further information.

Peace Pipe Dreams answered many questions I had about the First Nations and many more that I didn't even know I needed to ask.  It also had me laughing at un-expected points; who knew that Darrell is such a funny guy (he is a comedian when he's not a writer).

I highly recommend this book for all Canadians who love their country. It's important to learn the truth about where it came from.

 Thank-you to Douglas and McIntyre for use of the cover image.