Book Review on "Dances with Dependency"

EXTENDED BOOK REVIEW:
HELIN, CALVIN, DANCES WITH DEPENDENCY: INDIGENOUS SUCCESS THROUGH SELF-RELIANCE.

http://www.indigenouspolicy.org/xviv-1/xviv-1-media.htm#review

Abstract

Calvin Helin attempts to contextualize the current problems facing Aboriginal people in Canada and then offers simple and practical solutions, which he believes could apply to all Aboriginal people. This book tries to uncover why Aboriginal people's lives are subject to inequalities and hardships and goes on to suggest several psychological theories, which he believes are the origins of those problems. The author believes there is a dire need to address the social problems plaguing the lives of Aboriginal people, in order to fend off a potentially crippling economic crisis, referred to as the Demographic Tsunami. The author provides some excellent interpretations of the historical injustice, critique on current situations and political constrains of Aboriginal governance structures and instills hope in the reader that there is an end, with valid solutions, to such unrelenting problems faced by all Aboriginal people. Tragically, Helin offers nothing innovative or practical and simply mirrors and concedes to the will of the Canadian corporations and government's wishes. It is tragic because this book is so widely promoted throughout mainstream media as the answer to the problems facing Aboriginal people and now, Indigenous leadership are beginning to acknowledge and endorse Helin's misguided solutions.

The author's interpretations are wrought with contradictions, on the one hand Helin exhibits pride in his culture and traditions then refuses to incorporate any Indigenous way of life or ideology. Instead, Helin opts to reiterate the agenda of the Canadian governments through his “blueprint” presented, which is a facilitated Aboriginal migration to urban centers, forgetting of the past and individual private ownership on reserves. Also, to the enjoyment of Canadian business and industry, Helin calls not for an implementation or realization of Aboriginal Title or real self-determination but for a shift in focus to economic gains and the bottom line. Given, all the resource extraction taking place on unceded traditional territory of Aboriginal Nations, Helin calls for accommodation agreements and creation of business partnerships.