From Where I Stand

This is the book that all Canadians – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – need to read if we want to make reconciliation and strong, healthy Indigenous Nations a reality in this country.

Jody Wilson-Raybould outlines in impassioned, inspiring prose the actions that must be taken by governments, Indigenous Nations, and all Canadians to achieve true reconciliation in this country.

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, PC, QC, MP, also known by her initials JWR and by her ancestral name Puglaas, is a lawyer, advocate, and a proud Indigenous Canadian. She is a descendant of the Musgamagw Tsawataineuk and Laich-Kwil-Tach peoples, which are part of the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw or Kwak’wala-speaking peoples, and she is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation.

Throughout her career, Ms. Wilson-Raybould has built a strong reputation as a bridge builder between communities and a champion of good governance, justice, and accountability. She was elected as the Member of Parliament for the new constituency of Vancouver Granville in October 2015. On November 4, 2015, she was appointed the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, making her the first Indigenous person to serve in this portfolio. She then served as Minister of Veterans Affairs from January 14, 2019, to February 12, 2019.

Prior to entering politics, she was a provincial Crown prosecutor in Vancouver and later served as an adviser at the BC Treaty Commission, a body established to oversee complex treaty negotiations between First Nations and the Crown. In 2004, she was elected as Commissioner by the Chiefs of the First Nations Summit.

In 2009, Ms. Wilson-Raybould was elected BC Regional Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, where she devoted herself to the advancement of First Nations governance, fair access to lands and resources, as well as improved education and health care services. She was re-elected as Regional Chief in 2012 and served until 2015, holding responsibilities for governance and nation building on the Assembly of First Nations National Executive. Ms. Wilson-Raybould also served two terms as an elected Councillor for the We Wai Kai Nation between 2009 and 2015.

An active volunteer in the community, Ms. Wilson-Raybould has been a director for Capilano College, the Minerva Foundation for BC Women, the Nuyumbalees Cultural Centre, and the National Centre for First Nations Governance. She was also a director on the First Nations Lands Advisory Board and Chair of the First Nations Finance Authority.

Ms. Wilson-Raybould lives in Vancouver and is married to Dr. Tim Raybould.

John Borrows, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law, University of Victoria Law School:
Jody Wilson-Raybould’s quest for justice has long driven her work. I first saw this when she was a law student and this commitment to justice has only been deepened by subsequent public service. Her unwavering commitment to reconciliation, balance, and good governance springs off every page of this book.

Ken Coates, Canada Research Chair in Regional Innovation, and co-author of From Treaty Peoples to Treaty Nation: A Road Map for All Canadians:

Canadians came to understand Jody Wilson-Raybould’s passion and commitment for judicial and political reform through her work as the federal Minister of Justice. Behind her engagement in the cut and thrust of politics, however, lay one of the country’s most informed and thoughtful minds. In this much-anticipated book, Wilson-Raybould explains the cultural and historical roots of Indigenous hurt, anger, and despair. But true to her nature, she also offers the country a practical, reasonable, and viable path towards real and lasting reconciliation. This is a brilliant view of what is both possible and necessary.

Terry Teegee, Regional Chief, British Columbia Assembly of First Nations:

Writing from both the Big House and the House on Parliament Hill, Jody Wilson-Raybould offers unique and profound perspectives from two worlds. In this book, she maps out how First Nations can overcome the struggles of the colonial world and move toward a self-determined future in a world that is better for all. Jody’s vision is clear, and her voice is essential for understanding the urgency needed for colonial and First Nations governments to develop both the political will and the commitment to action needed for a better Canada.

Ghislain Picard, Regional Chief, Assembly of First Nations Quebec and Labrador:

JWR is on target. This must-read book speaks about our journey to an Indigenous Quiet Revolution.

from the foreword by The Honourable Murray Sinclair, member of the Senate of Canada, and former Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada:
Jody Wilson-Raybould was not only born to be a leader but accepted the role as her responsibility, and she has fulfilled it with honour and grace and courage. There is no one better-suited to reflect on the shared future of Canada and what needs to be done to make reconciliation a reality in this country.