In the last decade, the relationship between settler Canadians and Indigenous people has been fundamentally changed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Idle No More movement, the Wet'suwet'en struggle against pipeline development, and a number of other Indigenous-led struggles for Indigenous sovereignty and decolonization.
As a result of these efforts, increasing numbers of Canadians are beginning to recognize how this nation's history continues to shape relationships on these lands today. While this recognition is an important step, it is only the first step. Many Canadians are now asking, what can I do?
Living in Indigenous Sovereignty shares the wisdom of Indigenous scholars, activists, and knowledge keepers who speak pointedly to what they are asking of non-Indigenous people. It also shares the experiences of thirteen white settler Canadians who are deeply engaged in solidarity work with Indigenous peoples. Together, these stories offer inspiration and guidance for settler Canadians who wish to live honourably in relationship with Indigenous peoples, laws, and lands. If Canadians truly want to achieve this goal, Carlson and Rowe argue, they need to "live in Indigenous sovereignty"-- live in an awareness that these lands contain relationships, laws, protocols, stories, obligations, and opportunities that have been understood and practiced by Indigenous peoples since time immemorial.
Collectively, these stories will help settler Canadians understand what steps can and must be taken if we are to upend current relations and find a new way forward, together.
