Hòt'a! Enough! - by Wayne K Spear & Georges Erasmus (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

INDIGENOUS VOICES AWARD WINNER - THE HILL TIMES TOP 100 BOOKS OF 2024

The political life of Dene leader Georges Erasmus -- a radical Native rights crusader widely regarded as one of the most important Indigenous leaders of the past fifty years.

For decades, Georges Erasmus led the fight for Indigenous rights. From the Berger Inquiry to the Canadian constitutional talks to the Oka Crisis, Georges was a significant figure in Canada's political landscape. In the 1990s, he led the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and afterward was chair and president of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, around the time that Canada's residential school system became an ongoing frontpage story.

Georges's five-decade battle for Indigenous rights took him around the world and saw him sitting across the table from prime ministers and premiers. In the 1980s, when Georges was the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, he was referred to as the "Thirteenth Premier." This book tells the personal story of his life as a leading Indigenous figure, taking the reader inside some of Canada's biggest crises and challenges.

Review Quotes

Hòt'a! Enough! takes us through the incredible journey of Georges Erasmus and the impact that he has made on this country through his constant dedication to bettering the lives of all Indigenous Peoples and in doing so all people in Canada. For Indigenous peoples this book is an inspiration. A vivid look into the sacrifices and sheer determination of a person and his community in the continual struggle for recognition of our rights. For non-Indigenous peoples this book is an eye opener into what has and continues to go into the constant struggle for recognition and respect and the role that Georges has played in that.-- "Indigenous Voices Award jury citation"

A love story of family, community, and always, the land.

-- "Shelagh Rogers O.C."

A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making from an Indigenous leader who inspired us to believe in the power of our Indigenous teachings, and who expects a return to our "Nation to Nation" relationship.

-- "Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell, former Akwasasne Grand Chief"

Georges is a man of righteousness and his book speaks directly on it.

-- "Konrad Sioui, former AFN Regional Chief for Quebec and Labrador"

Georges Erasmus has been at the heart of the Indigenous revolution in Canada for over 60 years -- his passion, humour, humanity, and wisdom emerge in this great memoir and history lesson. Canada is a much better country for his years of leadership and service.

-- "Bob Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations"

A genuine, in-person testament of service to community, local and worldwide.-- "Antoine Mountain, author of From Bear Rock Mountain"

About the Author

Wayne K. Spear has worked for more than two decades in health and education. His previous books include Residential Schools, with the Words and Images of Survivors and Full Circle: The Aboriginal Healing Foundation and the Unfinished Work of Hope, Healing, and Reconciliation. He lives in Toronto.

Georges Erasmus is a former president of the Indian Brotherhood of Northwest Territories (later the Dene Nation), National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, chair and president of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, and co-chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. He has received the Aboriginal Achievement Award for Public Service and is an Officer of the Order of Canada. He lives in Yellowknife.