What is to be done: John Olthuis, On Dismantling Colonialism: An Insider’s Perspective on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, University of Toronto Press, 2025 | settler colonial studies blog

What is to be done: John Olthuis, On Dismantling Colonialism: An Insider’s Perspective on Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, University of Toronto Press, 2025

23Jun25

Description: On Dismantling Colonialism challenges conventional approaches to reconciliation, urging Canadians to move away from the notion of assimilation – where Indigenous peoples are expected to conform to the values and structures of settler colonial society. Instead, this book advocates for a true reconciliation: one that fosters the creation of political, economic, social, and cultural spaces where Indigenous nations can self-govern, restore their traditional lands, and live in harmony with the earth according to their own values and beliefs. Through deeply personal reflections on over five decades of activism in the communities of the Dene Nation, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Temagami First Nation and the Innu Nation of Labrador, John A. Olthuis shares his powerful journey of working to dismantle settler colonialism. He brings to light the many neglected blueprints for true reconciliation, including discussions of over 700 recommendations for systemic change put forth by the Penner Report, The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This book offers a powerful exploration of how the challenging work of dismantling colonialism can be a transformative and deeply healing process for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike. On Dismantling Colonialism explores the shift from assimilation to genuine reconciliation, emphasizing the urgent need to create spaces where Indigenous peoples can self-govern, restore their lands, and live according to their own values and traditions.

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