Book- Talking Back to the Indian Act

Book Talking Back to the Indian Act by Mary-Ellen Kelm and Keith D. Smith.

Talking Back to the Indian Act is a comprehensive “how-to” guide for engaging with historical evidence. The book helps readers develop the skills necessary for conversing with primary sources in refined and  profound ways. As a piece of legislation that is central to Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples and communities, the Indian Act is uniquely positioned to act as a vehicle for this kind of focused reading.

Through an analysis for over thirty documents addressing governance, gender, enfranchisement, and land, the authors provide a deep understanding of this pivotal piece of legislation, as well as insight into the dynamics involved in its creation and maintenance. The book includes a timeline, maps, and images.

MARY-ELLEN KELM is professor of History at Simon Fraser University.

KEITH D. SMITH teaches in the Departments of Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies and History at Vancouver Island University.