In mid-August, 1982, I was interviewed by the local paper and I pointed with some alarm at the growing anti-Native sentiment in the Okanagan that was dominating the white media and really getting out of hand. The article, entitled ‘Anti-Native Mood Hovers Over Okanagan,’ described the ‘vicious attacks’ against me personally in the local media. I tried to dampen the flames by admitting that my own fierce commitment to my band and to band autonomy may have contributed to that mood. But I told them that when I took over, the band was $3 million in debt and we were in danger of sliding back into abject poverty. I had to act decisively and all I was asking was that non-Indians who were living on Indian land comply with the law. Unfortunately, I said, too many whites were repulsed even by the thought of being governed by Indians.

By early summer, 1982, a much more dramatic scheme than framing me for a crime was put in place. A number of the trailer park owners had gotten together to decide that if the authorities would not bring me down then they would have to take matters into their own hands. And one of them came up with a plan.

“Grand Chief Derrickson’s book Fight or Submit is a stark but fascinating story of his challenges in becoming an important political and business figure in national Indigenous and Canadian politics.” — Russell Diabo, Mohawk political consultant, editor of First Nations Strategic Bulletin and spokesperson for Defenders of the Land

“Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson has captured a vivid and arresting account of the challenges he confronted and surmounted in a society dominated by racism. Providing insightful commentary on Indigenous politics that he encountered as Chief of Westbank First Nation, Grand Chief Derrickson’s tenacity, resourcefulness and inner drive for justice shine through.” — Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs

Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson is one of the most successful Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada. He also served as Chief of the Westbank First Nation for a dozen years and led his community from poverty to prosperity while surviving an assassination attempt and a Royal Commission on his business and political activities. He lives in Westbank First Nation, close to Kelowna, B.C.

“Grand Chief Ronald M. Derrickson has captured a vivid and arresting account of the challenges he confronted and surmounted as an Indigenous leader in a society dominated by racism. Providing insightful commentary on Indigenous politics and the various communal and interpersonal conflicts that he encountered as Chief of West Bank First Nation, Grand Chief Derrickson’s tenacity, resourcefulness, and inner drive for justice shines through.” — Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs
“I definitely recommend the book for reading to anyone, even those with no previous familiarity with Indigenous issues.” — The British Columbia Review