Unsettling Canada is built on a unique collaboration between two First Nations leaders, Arthur Manuel and Grand Chief Ron Derrickson. Both men have served as chiefs of their bands in the B.C. interior and both have gone on to establish important national and international reputations. But the differences between them are in many ways even more interesting. Arthur Manuel is one of the most forceful advocates for First Nations title and rights in Canada and comes from the activist wing of the movement. Grand Chief Ron Derrickson is one of the most successful Indigenous businessmen in the country. Together the Secwepemc activist intellectual and the Syilx (Okanagan) businessman bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to Canada's most glaring piece of unfinished business: the place of Indigenous peoples within the country's political and economic space. The story is told through Arthur's voice but he traces both of their individual struggles against the colonialist and often racist structures that have been erected to keep Indigenous peoples in their place in Canada.

The lay of the land -- Institutionalizing a people: Indian school, Indian jail -- White paper to red paper: drawing the battle lines -- Occupy Indian affairs: native youth in action -- Aboriginal title: no surrender -- The constitution express: a grassroots movement -- Don't let them bully you: a business interlude -- A chief's concerns: finances, the people, and the land -- Upping the ante: RCAP and a landmark court decision -- The battle in the forest: the trade in Indian trees -- Sun peaks to Geneva: playgrounds and fortresses -- Taking it to the bank: accounting for unpaid debt -- The fourth world: a global movement -- Line of defence: side by side for Mother Earth -- No half measures: the price of uncertainty -- Days of protest: young activists come together -- The end of colonialism.