Calvin Helin's Dances with Dependency offers a
compelling portrayal and analysis of poverty among Canada's
indigenous people. His message of self-reliance as a way forward
rests on thoughtful and creative economic strategies and offers
hope in cynical times.
--Joy Kogawa, Nationally renowned poet and novelist, Member of the
Order of Canada and Order of British Columbia. Her work
Obasan was named as one of the most important books in
Canadian history by the Literary Review of Canada.
I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. reading Dances with
Dependency and began reading again this morning.... I have
just finished the book. I am awestruck. You have been guided by the
Raven and have managed to speak honestly and respectfully about the
problems faced by our Aboriginal communities. The truth strikes at
the heart, and is messaged in such a way that no one can be
offended. Thank you, howa'a [Haida for thank you], for speaking out
on behalf of our youth. Howa'a for honouring me with the
opportunity to read the book. It is truly beautiful. I loved the
analogy of the canoe journey, it is so poignant and
appropriate.
--Kelly A. MacDonald, B.A., LL.B., LL.M. Aboriginal Lawyer, Member
of the National Parole Board and Senior Adjudicator Indian
Residential Schools Adjudications
Dances with Dependency paints the most complete and
honest portrait of indigenous people that has existed to date. It
goes far beyond cataloging the problems to showing a path to real
solutions. This book may unquestionably be the most important
single piece of literature and analysis for moving indigenous
people forward. It is time now to heed the call to more focused
strategic action and to start making a difference now-it is time to
move beyond the dependency mindset to the self-reliance of our
ancestors.
--Dave Tuccaro, President of Tuccaro Inc., Group of Companies.
All parents need to read this book. Avoiding welfare starts in
the home, and the book's message of self-reliance applies to
everyone, regardless of race or country of origin.
--John Corbiere, former Batchewana Band Chief who won the landmark
Supreme Court Corbiere decision, dramatically changing the Canadian
Indian Act.
Do you want to know how to deal with Canada's 100 year old
hidden shame; "Aboriginal Poverty"? Read Dances with
Dependency. Dances with Dependency is an appropriate
title that illustrates the Federal and Provincial governments'
creation of "Aboriginal Poverty". Calvin Helin's lessons in this
book get to the root of the 100 year old "Indian Problem" - "It's
the economy stupid". It's about damn time …This book is a must read
for all Aboriginal, Federal, and Provincial government leadership
that are sick and tired of the same old social rhetoric and failed
dependency spending programs. This book is for those who want to
get to the bottom line of real lasting positive change for Canada's
Aboriginal people that has been proven all over the world and a
message that Canada and the Provinces cannot ignore…"the only real
solution is the economy stupid!"
--Chief Clarence Louis, Osoyoos Indian Band, National Pioneer or
Effective Community Economic Development
Dances with Dependency is excellent. It is obvious that
Calvin Helin has been guided the teachings of his ancestors.
Remember what the Elders tell us-this time in life is a time of
truth telling in order to meet the challenges that face us as
Aboriginal people.
Kathy Louis, Respected elder & member of the National Parole
Board for over 25 years. Winner of 2005 Vancouver YWCA Women of
Distinction Award for volunteerism and public service, Canada's
meritorious service medal from the Governor General of Canada, and
Simon Fraser University Alumni Award for Community Service.