Puglaas’ book to be released just before October federal election

A book by former attorney general and Justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould will be in bookstores Sept. 20.

From Where I Stand: Rebuilding Indigenous Nations for a Stronger Canada is being described as is a timely, forthright, impassioned, and optimistic book for all Canadians, which urges building upon "the momentum already gained on the reconciliation journey or else risk hard-won progress being lost."

Wilson-Raybould (Puglaas) has dedicated much of her life to advancing Indigenous rights in Canada. She served in a number of high profile roles in Indigenous circles, from BC Treaty Commissioner to Assembly of First Nations regional chief for BC.

Her representation of both First Nations and the Crown at the highest levels gives her a unique and important perspective on leadership and into the challenges faced, and successes earned, by Indigenous peoples, reads a press statement from Purich Books and UBC Press.  

In the book, Wilson-Raybould argues that true reconciliation will occur only when Canada moves beyond denial, recognizes Indigenous rights, and replaces the Indian Act.

Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond (Aki-Kwe), a professor of Law, Allard Law School UBC, and director of the Residential School History and Dialogue Centre, provides a statement in praise of From Where I Stand and Puglaas.

“From Where I Stand is a must-read book for all Canadians. Puglaas shares a clear understanding of where we have come from, the issues we must address, and the pathways to a transformed future. Having witnessed her remarkable courage and capacity as Canada’s attorney general and her determination to do what is right without succumbing to unrelenting political pressure, Puglaas stands tall among Canadians as a person for whom truth, thoughtfulness, and principle are not mere words – but values to sustain a different kind of policy and politics.”