In Celebration of Our Survival: The First Nations of British Columbia

David R. Hutchinson is a consultant in Saskatchewan’s Indian and
Métis Education Branch.

As an anthology of aboriginal writing and art work, In Celebration of
Our Survival represents something of a first. Editors Jensen and Brooks
deliberately chose selections that not only call for continued
opposition to hegemonic federal and provincial governmental “Indian”
legislation, but also provide blueprints for a revised social
organization for all Canadians—one that genuinely encompasses
aboriginal values and beliefs.

This anthology reads like a meeting with Elders. There is a circuity to
its presentation that is continually focused by the poetry of Ron
Hamilton, whose motive for publication underscores the contributions of
his colleagues. In his autobiographical essay “I Invite Honest
Criticism: An Introduction,” Hamilton states: “I mean to exclude no
one from enjoying my poems; I hope they offer insights for all who wish
to better understand the cultural and political aspirations of First
Nations peoples.” What the writers in this anthology collectively
argue for is the necessity for aboriginal discourse to have priority in
any negotiation of self-determination—whether the negotiation
encompasses education, language, culture, child care, or
self-government.