Back in the 1960s, bumper stickers advocated “Think Indian.” And while this plea may have been intended for general consideration, it represented a personal appeal for exercising an increased intensity of Indigeneity, especially for those prevented from practicing real Indigeneity.

This collection of essays by the incomparable Basil Johnston is drawn from many talks he gave at educational conferences and gatherings across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States). Topics he covered include the critical need to protect and encourage Indigenous languages, how we are “One Generation Away From Extinction,” “Cowboys and Indians,” “You Can’t Tell Stories in the Summertime” and “Languages are Beyond Price.” Basil’s thoughtful and vital reflections on Indigenous life, legends, language and culture are found in this wise and humourous collection of his writings.

“Basil Johnston proves once again that he is the dean of Canadian Native writers with this indispensable collection of his best and most entertaining essays. Beautiful, lucid, sometimes hilarious and always thought provoking, Think Indian is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand contemporary Native experience. It will make you think again about what you thought you knew.”
—Warren Cariou, award-winning author of Lake of the Prairies.