In celebration of our survival : the first nations of British Columbia /

For years, aboriginal people have been studied, observed, andwritten about, usually by members of the non-Native community. Thepresent volume has been written, compiled, and edited by aboriginalpeoples from British Columbia who, in telling their own stories,celebrate the survival of the distinct cultures of the First NationsPeople in the face of decades of colonization and attempts atassimilation.

The editors of this volume called upon Native individuals from allwalks of life who were recognized by their own people for theirknowledge and experience. The contributors were simply asked to telltheir story and to write about what they felt was important in creatinga portrait of their people. The result is a rich and multifacetedcollection of writings, poetry, and art touching on a wide range oftopics, including the Constitution, education, language, culture, andnative activism.

It is a timely book which, while celebrating the survival of Nativeculture, also informs us about the issues confronting Native peoples,about the challenges they face in regaining control of their destiny,and about their struggle to maintain their culture.