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

[Stephen Christopher 1]

In Australia, we have the same issue. On January 26, 1776, the First Fleet arrived from England carrying convicts. They took the land from the indigenous Aborigines, and there was bloodshed. Now, over 200 years later, as Australia celebrated Australia Day on January 26, 2025, the indigenous community held violent protests claiming 'invasion day.' This is a worldwide problem that has happened in many countries due to expansion. This book will help many to understand the story from the pov of those whose ancestors were killed or thrown out of their rightful place.

[Omneya Shakeep]

I have to say the book title is a complete bummer, I couldn't understand a single word beyond "ways," combined with the book cover there wasn't a single thing to indicate what it was talking about. I didn't even know what "Ojibway-Anishinabe" was until I read your review; it is well-detailed and comprehensive. I don't know what the authors were thinking, but I wouldn't have picked the book despite its interesting topic from the book cover and title; they wouldn't have caught my eye to even check what it was talking about. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Sarah Zain]

I can't say I know about the subject, as this is the first time I've heard about it. Although it's not a topic that excites me, expressing the rights of indigenous people is something I always think we need to talk more about. Thank you Gerry for the informative review.

[RJ Reviews]

Your efforts to pick up books of varied genres and then provide us with a comprehensive discussion on that book are really admirable. Your reviews never fail to impress. This one is no exception. There sure is a lack of truthful approach to bridge the gap between ethnicities all over the world. I appreciate the authors' initiative. A great book.

[Catarina Luciane Silva]

Great review. The book sounds very strong and political. The situation with indigenous peoples here in Brazil is very violent and a constant dispute. Fortunately, we have many books with indigenous people's perspectives, rather than just white people's. This book fits into that: giving voice to the specific pains of a group of people. We need more white people and people from other countries reading these kind of book.

[Umesh Bhatt]

Excellent review. Caring for the indigenous people is something that is very important and the people who are running the country must keep it as a priority in their minds.

[Gerry Steen]

Great review. The book sounds very strong and political. The situation with indigenous peoples here in Brazil is very violent and a constant dispute. Fortunately, we have many books with indigenous people's perspectives, rather than just white people's. This book fits into that: giving voice to the specific pains of a group of people. We need more white people and people from other countries reading these kind of book.

Hi, Catarina. Thank you for your comments on my review and your sharing of the political situation between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people in Brazil.

[Laney K]

Thank you for the insightful review. While this is not up my ally, I'm sure those interested in the topic would enjoy it, especially those who live in Canada.

[Anu Anand]

Great review! This book sounds eye-opening, especially how it highlights the gaps in truth and reconciliation efforts. I appreciate the focus on Anishinabe principles and how they can foster change. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

This review is very insightful and so is this book. It is true to every community, that systemic racism finds its roots in those old colonial ideologies. Changing the old ideologies and stigma, then taking a fresh and honest look into the marginalized races/communities would do good.
The book presents the problem from a different perspective and tries to create a bridge between cultures. I like it. I am adding it to my shelves.

[cindy joon]

As much as most people are into reading fictional books, we should try and read realistic ones every once in a while. This can help in being aware of what is really going on around us.

[Gerry Steen]

As much as most people are into reading fictional books, we should try and read realistic ones every once in a while. This can help in being aware of what is really going on around us.

Right on cindy! I agree with you. This book opened my eyes to what sytemic racism really means and how we should deal with it. Thank you for your comment and welcome to OBC. Happy reading!

[wilker santos]

This book is a real gem! It dives deep into themes of identity, respect, and the kind of change that sticks with you. Seriously, if you haven’t picked it up yet, you’re missing out. Big thanks to the authors for this amazing read!

[George Hudock]

Thanks for your review. I have put this one on my "want to read list"!

[Blueberry Dragon]

The Canadian Government's initiative was certainly a unique one. Though it seems to have fallen short, I'm sure there are many lessons that other governments can learn from it. Thank you for the insightful review @Gerry Steen.