On Dismantling Settler Colonialism

On Dismantling Settler Colonialism challenges conventional approaches to reconciliation, urging Canadians to move away from the notion of assimilation where Indigenous peoples are expected to conform to the values and structures of settler colonial society. Instead, this book advocates for a true reconciliation: one that fosters the creation of political, economic, social, and cultural spaces where Indigenous nations can self-govern, restore their traditional lands, and live in harmony with the earth according to their own values and beliefs.

Through deeply personal reflections on over five decades of activism in the communities of the Dene Nation, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Temagami First Nation and the Innu Nation of Labrador, John A. Olthuis shares his powerful journey of working to dismantle settler colonialism. He brings to light the many neglected blueprints for true reconciliation, including discussions of over 700 recommendations for systemic change put forth by the Penner Report, The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This book offers a powerful exploration of how the challenging work of dismantling settler colonialism can be a transformative and deeply healing process for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike.

Author Biography

John A. Olthuis is a member of the Order of Canada and a co-founder of Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP, Canada’s largest law firm solely dedicated to representing and providing access to justice for Indigenous Peoples.