An accessible, urgent discussion between two friends-an Indigenous man and a settler woman-that not only invites readers to consider what reconciliation could look like in their everyday lives, but also gives them the practical tools to enact essential and meaningful change
This book explores the idea of day-to-day reconciliation through the alternating experiences of two friends, an Indigenous man and a white settler woman. Derek Montour is a Mohawk man from a prominent Indigenous family, an army vet and community leader, and someone who grew up on a reserve. Elin Sandberg Miller is a diplomat and a Swedish immigrant to Canada by marriage. Together, through telling their stories, Derek and Elin aim to provide guidance for non-Indigenous Canadians who want to contribute to the national reconciliation process but don't know how. The book consists of 13 stories reflecting their own experiences, their arguments for why we need reconciliation and, most importantly, how to get there. The narration alternates between Derek and Elin and the stories are paired up by theme (think: home, land, culture, language, etc.), with both authors discussing each theme from their perspective and offering insight on difficult, but prevalent questions (Where's the line between appreciation and appropriation? How can settlers meaningfully contribute to Indigenous economies? Can I go to a powwow?)
The essays are nuanced, vulnerable, and considered-everything you won't find on Google. After each themed chapter, the authors will offer a practical guide summary of steps, tools, and questions readers can ask of themselves to begin their own everyday reconciliation. As Derek and Elin say, their friendship has not always been a straightforward one. There have been some difficult stories to tell and some hard questions to answer. But through goodwill conversation and some tough questions, they've come together to envision what reconciliation would look like on a practical level, driven by people, not governments. The book is a clear argument for the power of-and the need for-reconciliation in Canadians' everyday lives, but it also posits that reconciliation can only happen when Indigenous peoples and settlers come together like they have to imagine a shared vision for the future. Together, the authors create a gentle, inquisitive space that encourages open discussion and embarrassing questions, but also one that, ultimately, empowers readers to become a part of their own everyday reconciliation.
