First Nations 101, 2nd edition (2022)
Lynda Gray's (Ts'msyen Nation) accessible primer on Indigenous peoples’ past and present is geared towards both non-Indigenous and Indigenous readers. First Nations 101 provides an overview of the day-to-day lives of Indigenous people, traditional Indigenous communities, colonial interventions used in an attempt to assimilate Indigenous people into mainstream society, the impacts those interventions had on Indigenous families and communities, and how Indigenous people are working towards holistic health and wellness today. This 2nd edition has over 75 chapters, including 16 new ones. Visit the Free Resources page for downloadable resources.
Gray’s accessible writing style makes First Nations 101 the perfect primer. She notes that although governments may encourage and fund reconciliation activities, true reconciliation can only happen through the ongoing commitment and consistent actions of individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses. The affordable price of $23 for this 336 page book makes it the perfect class textbook, training resource, bookclub text, gift, and informative guide for readers of all ages and walks of life. First Nations 101 is appropriate for high school students, and colleges and universities are utilizing First Nations 101 in courses such as Indigenous Studies, Nursing, English, Social Work, Sociology, and Child & Youth Care.
The book’s cover art features a 'neełx (killerwhale) created by Lynda's son Phil Gray to represent their clan (Gisbutwada). $1 from each book sold will be donated to the Ts’msyen Revolution Fund to help support Ts’msyen language and culture revitalization in laxyuubm Ts’msyen (Ts’msyen territory).
