Tony Richmond

Silviba Tony Richmond

Silviba: A Forester's Log is an entertaining and intriguing story of author Tony Richmond's life as a Canadian forester. The many stories of his adventures, travels and conflicts are colourful and lively. This book is a valuable contribution to preserving the stories of Canadian history and the progress and development of forestry practices over the years. There are many political and economic factors 'behind the scenes' that the author uncovers and explains, including his years of association with Canada's Woodland Cree people. Richmond offers recommendations for improved public forest administration, and a role for First Nations in developing forest-based enterprises. Richmond also makes a case for dropping the pejorative labels generated by non-Indians in favour of using a new word: 'Candian.' Based on his vast experience helping the 'Candians' fight for the resources, Richmond pleads for the eradication of the Indian Affairs Department and proposes instead a replacement with a system of sub-treaties between a province and the 'Candian' entities involved.