Colonial texts = "hate literature"

New book aims to dispel aboriginal stereotypes

By Simon FullerAs she prepares for the release of her new book, a local author says that aboriginal peoples have been portrayed as "savages" and "less-than-human" in 140 years of colonial settlers’ literature, theatre, cinema and the history books.

Emma LaRocque, a University of Manitoba professor, is set to launch her latest work—When the Other Is Me: Native Resistance Discourse 1850-1990—at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Grant Park Shopping Centre on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.

LaRocque, who lives in Linden Woods, believes these historical texts have created a negative contemporary perception of aboriginal Canadians.

"Colonial texts are offensive. In fact, many of these texts constitute hate literature," said LaRocque, who grew up in a Cree-speaking Metis culture in northeast Alberta.Comment:  For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Books.

Below:  "Emma LaRocque is pictured receiving an Aboriginal Achievement Award in the education category, awarded annually by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation."