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.
