Lynda Gray to visit New West Public Library

“Tons of stuff you need to know” is not an understatement when it comes to learning about First Nations culture – and it’s the tagline of the latest edition of First Nations: 101 by Lynda Gray.

Gray, who is from the Ts'msyen Nation, is leading a discussion at the New West Public Library on Thurs. June 16 in the library’s auditorium.

“[We’ll talk about] big things that weren’t around [for the first edition]. The Truth and Reconciliation commission, I also have updates on its progress, and the inquiry into missing, murdered and Indigenous women” says Gray.

This version also covers themes around being a great ally, and how the act of reconciliation can start with simple gestures – like a discussion between two people.

“This moment between you and I, this is an act of reconciliation,” explains Gray, “I’m hoping people will understand what reconciliation is, and how we can contribute. Why it’s so important individuals do something rather than waiting for the government to do something.”

From traditional governance and economies to sexual and reproductive health, even family tree and genealogy research – Gray says the book covers it all. Genealogy is another question she’s often asked a lot about as Indigenous people look to connect with family members they might not have seen in a while, or perhaps trace their roots.

Gray is also hoping her book will be used as a teaching tool for people of all ages.

“In BC, the learning curriculum is going to change, and every student will need to learn about Indigenous culture, so I also think this is the perfect book for this,” she explains.

Gray says offering accessible information has been important for her, as people sometimes don’t realize the pain Indigenous people go through when they are asked about a traumatic event, such as the discovery of unmarked graves.

“Say you were an Indigenous person in office, everyone wants to say, ‘oh, I’ve seen what happened,’ and with the best intentions, but then you’d have to hear that 15 times a day, and maybe they don’t know that your uncle is one of those children that was missing; maybe your grandparent. The book definitely talks about how to be very careful,” says Gray.

“There are things we can do to all contribute,” she adds, noting that there are some people who have been holding book clubs to discuss the work. Gray says she also loves to pop up through Zoom and speak at those. “I’m usually on those once or twice a month; doing thosed drop-ins to be at a book club.”

Thursday’s event is free – attendees will need to register through the library, and will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book for $20.

Connect with Gray over Twitter, Facebook, and through her website.