In Rez Rules, Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie explores self-sufficiency, success, and systemic racism
The long-time leader of the thriving community takes a hard look at First Nations’ relationships with colonial Canada in new book
CLARENCE LOUIE WAS 24 when he was first elected Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in 1984. Nineteen elections later, he’s still at it, guiding the community that once struggled with poverty to a thriving economic and business hub with record levels of employment and millions of dollars in revenue, all built on a culture of caring, tradition, ceremony, and hard work.
Louie is a member of the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada, and in 2019, he was the first Indigenous person to be inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame. Now, he is releasing a new book that explores his personal journey and the path to First Nations self-sufficiency and independence.
Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada's and America's Systemic Racism Against Indigenous People (McClelland & Stewart) covers vast range of topics, from Rez humour and his introduction to activism to the use of Indigenous logos by pro sports teams, his love of motorcycle “honour” rides, and the devastating impact of residential schools. Louie addresses systemic racism, shares what makes an effective leader, and scrutinizes the relationship between First Nations and colonial Canada and the United States, calling for First Nations to “Indian Up!” and “never forget our past.”
Rez Rules comes out on November 16.
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