“Recognition, RESPECT, and reconciliation” (Joseph & Joseph, 2019), these are the cornerstones of both this in-depth book on Indigenous relations as well as building healthy relationships with Indigenous people and their communities.

Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality by Bob Joseph with Cynthia F. Joseph is a self-help guide to assist non-Indigenous individuals, organizations and businesses in their relationships with Indigenous communities. The book, a follow up to 21 Things You May Not Know about the Indian Act by the same authors, is a continuation for supporting the goal of reconciliation.

​

          The book offers a unique Indigenous perspective as the writer, Bob Joseph, is from the Gwawa'enuk Nation, and is a hereditary chief of the Gayaxala clan. In addition, he is the founder and president of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., which has provided training in Indigenous Relations for 30 years, starting in 1994. Along with his wife, Cynthia F. Joseph, the writer emphasizes the points necessary for us to move toward reconciliation, which includes an understanding of Indigenous history both pre-contact and post-contact, the diversity of culture between Indigenous communities and the hardships Indigenous communities have faced in both the past and present. While the book is targeted toward corporations and other businesses, the ease of reading, without being bogged down with corporate lingo, makes this a comprehensive guide for all Canadians and non-Indigenous.

​

          The first cornerstone of Indigenous Relations is the recognition of the complicated history for Indigenous peoples through the Indian Act (1876), and the Constitution Act (1982) as well as other government policies. In addition, it highlights important declarations and resolutions solidifying the understanding that Indigenous rights are human rights, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). It further explores the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools and continued colonialist policies that contribute to high levels of unemployment, low education, and poverty, etc., within Indigenous communities and how these policies impact Indigenous/non-Indigenous relations.

​

          The next section of the book explores the RESPECT cornerstone, a model created by Joseph and his organization. While it is focused on business, especially when looking at resource mining from Indigenous lands, it is a valuable source of information for individuals. It facilitates a continuation of learning about Indigenous culture and experiences. One focus is on the “seventh generation principle” that many Indigenous communities follow, which is when decisions are made based on the impact and sustainability for seven generations in the future. This illustrates the respect that Indigenous people bring to their relationships by considering the wellbeing of those who follow after them and the environment they share, placing those ahead of industry.

 

          One of the weaknesses of the book is seen in this section since it is focused on the business aspect of Indigenous relations. For individuals, this section may feel irrelevant to their personal interactions with Indigenous peoples; however, RESPECT offers opportunities for the reader to learn to be compassionate and respectful in day to day interactions with Indigenous people. The author does have a very short chapter on personal interactions that ties in well with the entire book to help compensate for the heavy focus toward industry in regard to Indigenous relations.

 

          Finally, Joseph included several appendixes that give the reader the skills to navigate custom, tradition and respect when they are working with or interacting with Indigenous peoples. In addition, the direction on how to work toward the cornerstone of reconciliation is continued on with recommendations to further the reader’s education on reconciliation and Indigenous relations, as well as connecting the reader to emerging Indigenous voices through literature and other publications.

​

          In conclusion, Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality is an excellent resource for corporations and organizations that collaborate directly with Indigenous communities. However, there is more worth in this book than a simple business guide. One point that Joseph highlights is that Indigenous peoples share their stories, history, and traditions—passed down from one generation to the next—through oral traditions. In his words, “There is an irony talking about books written by a culture known for its oral tradition,” (Joseph & Joseph, 2019) but there is no irony in how Joseph bridges the gap between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous to lead us to that final cornerstone of reconciliation for a better future for all of us.

 

References

 

Joseph, B., & Joseph, C. F. (2019). Indigenous relations: Insights, tips & suggestions to make reconciliation a reality. Indigenous Relations Press.