Review of Di-bayn-di-zi-win (To Own Ourselves): Embodying Ojibway-Anishinabe Ways

[Gerry Steen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Di-bayn-di-zi-win (To Own Ourselves): Embodying Ojibway-Anishinabe Ways" by Jerry Fontaine & Don McCaskill.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Is North American society doing enough to right the wrongs inflicted upon Indigenous people by its colonialist ancestors? How can it rid its institutions of systemic racism? If you would like to read an Indigenous response to these questions, the book entitled Di-bayn-di-zi-win (To Own Ourselves) by Jerry Fontaine and Don McCaskill will fulfill this need.

This book showed me that the Canadian government’s attempt to open the door to truth and reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous people has come up short. The same was reported regarding Canadian universities that have added Indigenous studies to their programs. The main reason given for these shortcomings was that governmental and educational institutions ran their programs rooted in old colonial ideologies. As long as these ideologies remained dominant, systemic racism would continue to exist. Jerry Fontaine and Don McCaskill offered another way of thinking, based on North American Indigenous ideology, to build a metaphorical bridge between the different thought systems. If Canadians were to give credence to North American Indigenous ideology in governmental and educational institutions, they would be able to bridge the divide between Canadians and Indigenous people.

Both authors have made efforts to bridge this gap. Jerry Fontaine shared his perspective as an Indigenous chief. Don McCaskill shared his as a Canadian with Scottish and English ancestry. They shared their stories regarding their roles as citizens, militants, educators, and collaborators.

The authors used the word Anishinabe to replace the colonialist word Indigenous. I was introduced to Ojibway-Anishinabe principles of self-determination and the Ojibway-Anishinabe concept of middle ground, which is used to gain understanding in a respectful manner. I was made privy to the fact that Ojibway-Anishinabe thought has a spiritual foundation to guide people in making their decisions regarding the caring for and sharing of resources. Because of this, the authors are asking non-Anishinabe people to open their hearts and minds to Anishinabe ways of knowing and doing.

While reading this book, I gained an understanding of the struggles that Anishinabe people have undergone and continue to face today. I learned how Ojibway-Anishinabe language, traditions, spirituality, and ways of knowing and doing can aid in fostering equitable relationships between Anishinabe people and mainstream North Americans. I felt humbled and inspired.

This book was well-written, well-edited, and educational. If you are interested in learning Ojibway-Anishinabe words and phrases, you will enjoy
the words and phrases sprinkled throughout the book. Additionally, a glossary of words and phrases can be found at the end of the book. This well-documented work was easy to read and left a lasting impression on me. I did not find anything to dislike about this book. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Meegwetch to the authors for collaborating to write such a worthwhile book.

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Di-bayn-di-zi-win (To Own Ourselves): Embodying Ojibway-Anishinabe Ways
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[Amy Luman]

Although this would not be my first choice for a book to read, I can see the appeal of it. If the people colonizing an area didn’t always automatically assume that they were better than the indigenous people everyone could learn something. Thanks!

[Creole]

Thanks for such an engaging review. I am not convinced that either country is trying to get rid of systemic racism. The authors have given the issue enough thought and have put forward proposals as to how they can. I am particularly eager to learn Ojibway-Anishinabe words and phrases. I hope this book will reach and inspire the targeted audience to action. Congrats to the authors on a thought-provoking book.

[Bethel Saint Bright]

At first, I was like, "what kind of book title is this?" Reading the review shows me that the author was dealing with something very essential, especially to the Indigenous people in Canada. I hope the author's message gets to the right people. Thank you for the review.

[Lene Lena]

I appreciate your insights on “Di-bayn-di-zi-win.” It’s crucial to recognize the limitations of current reconciliation efforts. The authors’ perspective on integrating Indigenous ideologies into institutions is vital for addressing systemic racism and fostering genuine understanding between Canadians and Indigenous peoples. This approach could indeed bridge significant divides.

[NetMassimo]

I know the basics of this problem, also thanks to the information connected to the role of the Roman Church in the attempt of a cultural genocide against the natives and the recent apology issued by Pope Francis during his journey to Canada. This book is interesting because it offers a broader tale of the whole story. Thank you for your great review!

[Jeff Kanda]

This seems to be a detailed book that gives the history of Canada and the indigenous people. I don't like reading historical books, but I might like this one, considering how detailed it seems to be. Thanks for the engaging review!

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

Di-bayn-di-zi-win seems like a book best suited for people interested in Canadian history and non-mainstream cultures. It's always great learning about diversity and new cultures, so I'll be reading it!

[Priya Murugesan]

From your review, I can see this book deals with deep issues. Readers interested in knowing more about Anishinabe people will definitely find this book informative. Thank you for your awesome review!

[Magdalyne chebet]

Thank you for this insightful and heartfelt review! "Di-bayn-di-zi-win (To Own Ourselves)" sounds like a powerful and necessary read, offering a deep understanding of Anishinabe perspectives and systemic issues. Your review makes me eager to explore its wisdom. Thank you!

[Julie Marie Basil]

This sounds like a very educational and insightful book that shares the perspective of some Indigenous people in Canada. Your review definitely leaves me wanting to know more. Thank you for sharing your perspective!

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

Good review! Living in southern Texas, I have a lot of Canadian friends who come down for the winter. I am learning a lot about how their government and policies are so different from ours here in the US. Some of them are not as accommodating as we were led to believe.

[Seetha E]

I admit that I heard about the Anishinabe people for the first time. I appreciate that they emphasize the importance of caring for and sharing resources. I'd like to know about their values of inclusive living and mutual respect. I'll look out for this book. Adding this one to my reading list, and I appreciate your in-depth analysis, Gerry.

[Neha Panikar]

Loved your review! I found it to be very detailed yet succinct. However,the topic is outside of my interest at the moment, so I might revisit it sometime later in the future. Thanks for sharing this review!

[Victor Nwabuisi]

This book sounds enlightening. It dives deep into North American Indigenous ideology. I would add this to my tbr. Thanks for the insightful review.