Book – First Nations 101 – Second Edition Lynda Gray

First Nations 101 provides a broad 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 new ones on rematriation, water for life, governance ‘options’, Indigenous feminisms, decolonization, (mis)appropriation, Indigenous Knowledge, and how to become a great ally.

 Author Lynda Gray’s accessible writing style makes First Nations 101 the perfect primer for all to read. 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, governments, and businesses. The affordable price of $20 for this 336 page book makes it the perfect class textbook, training resource, book club text, gift, and informative guide for readers of all ages and walks of life. Colleges and universities are utilizing First Nations 101 in courses such as First Nations Studies, Nursing, English, Social Work, Sociology, and Child & Youth Care.  

Lynda Gray is member of the Ts’msyen Nation from Lax Kw’alaams on the Northwest Coast of B.C.  The book’s cover art was created by her son Phil Gray and features a ‘neełx (killerwhale) to represent the author and her children’s clan (Gisbutwada). 

$1 from each book sold will be donated to the Ts’msyen Revolution Fund which Lynda Gray and her children, Dr. Robin Gray and artist Phil Gray, started in 2022. The Fund will help support Ts’msyen language and culture revitalization in laxyuubm Ts’msyen (Ts’msyen territory).