Darrell Dennis Peace Pipe Dreams

Annotation

Darrell Dennis is a stereotype-busting, politically incorrect Native American/Aboriginal/Shuswap (Only hes allowed to call himself an Indian. Maybe. Under some circumstances). With a large dose of humour and irreverence, he untangles some of the truths and myths about First Nations: Why do people think Natives get free trucks, and why didnt he ever get one? Why does the length of your hair determine whether youre good or bad? By what ratio does the amount of rain in a year depend on the amount of cactus liquor you consume?In addition to answering these burning questions, Dennis tackles some tougher subjects. He looks at European-Native interactions in North America from the moment of first contact, discussing the fur trade, treaty-signing and the implementation of residential schools. Addressing misconceptions still widely believed today, Dennis explains why Native people arent genetically any more predisposed to become alcoholics than Caucasians; that Native religion doesnt consist of worshipping rocks, disappearing into thin air, or conversing with animals; and that tax exemptions are so limited and confusing that many people dont even bother.Employing pop culture examples, personal anecdote and a cutting wit, Darrell Dennis deftly weaves history with current events to entertain, inform and provide a convincing, readable overview of First Nations issues and why they matter today.