21 Things You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government. A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act - Bob Joseph

From the bestselling author of 21 Things™ You May Not Know About the Indian Act comes a powerful new book on dismantling the Indian Act and advancing Indigenous self-governance.
Bob Joseph’s 21 Things™ You May Not Know About the Indian Act captured the attention of hundreds of thousands of Canadians by shining a light on the Indian Act and the problems associated with it. In that book, readers learned that the Consolidated Indian Act of 1876 has controlled the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada for generations, and despite its objective to assimilate Indians into the economic and political mainstream, it has had the opposite effect: segregation. They live under different laws and on different lands.
People came away from that book with questions such as "Can we get rid of the Indian Act?" and "What would that look like? Would self-government work?" These are timely questions, given that 2026 will mark 150 years since the Consolidated Indian Act of 1876. The short answer to these questions is, yes, we can dismantle the Act, and there are current examples of self-government arrangements that are working.
With his trademark wisdom, humility, and deep understanding, Bob Joseph shows us the path forward in 21 Things™ You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act, in which Indigenous self-governance is already happening and not to be feared—and negotiating more such arrangements, sooner rather than later, is an absolute necessity.

21 Things™ You Need to Know About Indigenous Self-Government: A Conversation About Dismantling the Indian Act is a call to action. Join the conversation now.

“Calling for a return to Indigenous self-government, Joseph offers a clear-eyed consideration of the impact, over decades, of Canada’s Indian Act . . . This is a vital contribution to the ongoing conversation about First Nations governance in Canada.” —Editor's Pick, Booklife Reviews

“A persuasively argued case for dismantling a destructive policy.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In this book, Bob Joseph once again captures the facts and importance of Indigenous Peoples rights to self-government. He outlines why it is imperative that all Canadians understand that when Indigenous Peoples reclaim their rightful place in decision-making and self-determination, all Canadians will benefit from a more just and inclusive Canada.” —Nancy C. Southern, chair and chief executive officer, ATCO

“Bob Joseph’s new book is indispensable for all Canadians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, entering into a conversation about alternatives to the Indian Act.” —Bruce McIvor, author of Indigenous Rights in One Minute: What You Need to Know to Talk Reconciliation

“Bob Joseph has done it again. Shifting focus from the oppressive federal Indian Act, he provides an effective analysis of the tools that will support Canada’s commitment to reconciliation—self-government. Joseph has a remarkable ability to distill historic and complex legal issues into an impactful narrative that will resonate with the reader. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand where Indigenous communities are planning to go.” —Clint Davis, CEO, Cedar Leaf Capital Inc.