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Dances with Dependency Ever
wondered how the lives of indigenous people and those in developing nations
can be made better? Then this is the book for you! For the first time
in print, real turnaround solutions are provided in answer to such poverty
through focused strategic action. Take the
10,000 year mystical canoe journey through time and space.
Learn how you can make a difference now! Detailed research and
indigenous storytelling are dramatically blended in this groundbreaking
publication—a publication that provides a fantastic gift
of knowledge and understanding. Printed in full colour, with a beautifully
embossed dust jacket, and featuring over twenty dazzling
full-page art works by internationally renowned northwest coast
artist Bill Helin. This hardcover book is sure to be a collectors’
edition.
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" I read Dances
with Dependency from cover to cover and could not put it down. What
is important is not whether you agree with every point Calvin Helin
makes, but that he is raising issues which must be discussed if progress
is to be achieved. Indeed the fact that this book has aroused such
interest is a positive sign for the future." "Finally, a book
that succinctly and accurately captures the social, political and
legal history of North American indigenous societies—societies
that once reigned supreme in harmony with the lands and nature. The
time has come for Canada to accept the truth and consult with the
aboriginal peoples on the terms of the Treaties made between two sovereign
entities. The status quo can be tolerated no longer. For Canada to
reach its full potential as a nation, it must respect and restore
the self-determination that once existed within its indigenous peoples.
There is no question that Calvin Helin has lived the indigenous experience.
He has now written about this experience so that all parties involved
can work towards a truthful and lasting resolve." "Calvin Helin is a Canadian aboriginal thinker whose brave ideas evoke at once Thomas Jefferson's zeal for independence and Martin Luther King Jr.'s audacious "I have a dream" idealism. Canadians lament the fact that a young aboriginal in this country has a greater chance of committing suicide than of pursuing post-secondary education--but the fact abides. The hopelessness of many aboriginal lives is the elephant in the room called Canada--a room in which too many of us wait for the same old guilt, bureaucracy, and government cheques to produce an outcome different from the one they have always produced. Calvin Helin's courageous
declaration in his groundbreaking Dances with Dependency
scouts the way forward, from backward-looking dependency to a hopeful
vision of autonomy and self-respect whether in sustainable natural
settings, in the resource economy or in Canada's multicultural cities.
Finally: a vision that makes sense and moves us all beyond guilt to
real change.” "This book is a
long time coming. It is possibly the most important book ever written
for helping indigenous people see their way forward. We've been talking
about self-determination for hundreds of years. It's time we took
positive action, and this book will help us do just that." "I attended a recent
presentation of the author on his book. I was in awe to be in the
presence of such a visionary and historian, his words are important,
constructive and honest. I believe in many of his thoughts and concerns
and that we are responsible and need to work together." "Reviewers have
universally been star-struck with the brilliance of this book. Not
only does this well researched book offer practical solutions to problems
of the planet’s aboriginals, but it is decorated with 25 colorful
panels of native art work. This highly readable text will save hours
of research for those working to rectify historic and modern day injustice.
“Howa’a” (Haida for thank you) for pointing to such
a simple answer to the problems of our Canadian First Nations people." “…sugarcoating
nothing. While recognizing and acknowledging the historical reasons
and complexities behind the numerous social dysfunctions in Canada's
aboriginal communities …Helin says none of that will change
until Natives stop pointing the finger of blame at others and start
to take responsibility for their own futures. “ “…this book
is filled with hope and written out of deep love and concern for aboriginal
people”. “The book takes
the reader on an inspiring 10,000 year canoe journey through the mists
of time to an era of indigenous self-reliance where tribal civilizations
thrived without welfare, unemployment insurance and government transfer
payments. The book provides invaluable turnaround solutions to indigenous
people and developing nation populations wishing to move forward.”
“[Helin] wants
native people to move forward by reclaiming traditional values of
autonomy and self-reliance… to shift his people's focus from
grievance to independence through education and economic development...
the current handout model is unsustainable as the native population
continues to grow. What this book says
probably should have been said years ago …I think that all our
people should read this book. Even though I am now sixty four years
old, reading “Dances with Dependency” was another eye-opening
experience for me. (Still learning after all those years).”
"Helin’s
book is above all a challenge for aboriginal people to recover their
pride and self-sufficiency. It deserves to be widely read by B.C.
and local politicians, and by aboriginal leaders as well…[and
he] doesn’t pull any punches in recounting the history and the
current state of aboriginal life in his native B.C. and around North
America. He details how aboriginal populations are rising rapidly
at a time when the general population is aging. A resource boom centered
on northern and western Canada means the aboriginal workforce is urgently
needed. And if aboriginal people don’t go to work to support
themselves, they and their culture might not be the only thing destroyed.
The welfare burden could wreck Canada’s economy in the coming
years." “…[Dances
with Dependency is] an important new book…while not glossing
over the gloom, it offers a refreshing message of hope—and a
strong call to action.” “…[Dances
with Dependency reveals that] the Canadian government’s mismanagement
of aboriginal affairs is a welfare trap that has enslaved much of
the aboriginal population of this part of the planet, stripping it
of pride, ambition, and achievement…[with]…the only solution…[being]…to
walk away from the soul-destroying grip and return to the self-sufficiency
that marked first nations before they had contact with European colonizers,
about 400 years ago.” Calvin Helin’s
Dances with Dependency offers a compelling portrayal and
analysis of poverty among Canada’s indigenous people. His message
of self-reliance as a way forward rests on thoughtful and creative
economic strategies and offers hope in cynical times. I stayed up until 2:00
a.m. reading Dances with Dependency and began reading again
this morning.... I have just finished the book. I am awestruck. You
have been guided by the Raven and have managed to speak honestly and
respectfully about the problems faced by our Aboriginal communities.
The truth strikes at the heart, and is messaged in such a way that
no one can be offended. Thank you, howa'a [Haida for thank you], for
speaking out on behalf of our youth. Howa'a for honouring me with
the opportunity to read the book. It is truly beautiful. I loved the
analogy of the canoe journey, it is so poignant and appropriate. Dances with Dependency
paints the most complete and honest portrait of indigenous people
that has existed to date. It goes far beyond cataloging the problems
to showing a path to real solutions. This book may unquestionably
be the most important single piece of literature and analysis for
moving indigenous people forward. It is time now to heed the call
to more focused strategic action and to start making a difference
now-it is time to move beyond the dependency mindset to the self-reliance
of our ancestors. All parents need to
read this book. Avoiding welfare starts in the home, and the book's
message of self-reliance applies to everyone, regardless of race or
country of origin. Do you want to know
how to deal with Canada’s 100 year old hidden shame; “Aboriginal
Poverty”? Read Dances with Dependency. Dances with
Dependency is an appropriate title that illustrates the Federal
and Provincial governments’ creation of “Aboriginal Poverty”.
Calvin Helin’s lessons in this book get to the root of the 100
year old “Indian Problem” – “It’s the
economy stupid”. It’s about damn time …This book
is a must read for all Aboriginal, Federal, and Provincial government
leadership that are sick and tired of the same old social rhetoric
and failed dependency spending programs. This book is for those who
want to get to the bottom line of real lasting positive change for
Canada’s Aboriginal people that has been proven all over the
world and a message that Canada and the Provinces cannot ignore…”the
only real solution is the economy stupid!” Dances with Dependency
is excellent. It is obvious that Calvin Helin has been guided the
teachings of his ancestors. Remember what the Elders tell us—this
time in life is a time of truth telling in order to meet the challenges
that face us as Aboriginal people. |
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