It Stops Here: Standing Up for Our Lands, Our Waters, and Our People

by Rueben George, Michael Simpson

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

SHORTLISTED FOR THE GEORGE RYGA AWARD

A personal account of one man’s confrontation with colonization that illuminates the philosophy and values of a First Nation on the front lines of the fight against an extractive industry, colonial government, and threats to the life-giving Salish Sea.

It Stops Here is the profound story of the spiritual, cultural, and political resurgence of a nation taking action to reclaim their lands, waters, law, and food systems in the face of colonization. In deeply moving testimony, it recounts the  intergenerational struggle of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation to overcome colonial harms and the powerful stance they have taken alongside allies and other Indigenous nations across Turtle Island against the development of the Trans Mountain Pipeline—a fossil fuel megaproject on their unceded territories.

In a firsthand account of the resurgence told by Rueben George, one of the most prominent leaders of the widespread opposition to the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, It Stops Here reveals extraordinary insights and revelations from someone who has devoted more than a decade of his life to fighting the project. Rueben shares stories about his family’s deep ancestral connections to their unceded lands and waters, which are today more commonly known as Vancouver, British Columbia and the Burrard Inlet. He discloses how, following the systematic cultural genocide enacted by the colonial state, key leaders of his community, such as his grandfather, Chief Dan George, always taught the younger generations to be proud of who they were and to remember the importance of their connection to the inlet.

Part memoir, part call to action, It Stops Here is a compelling appeal to prioritize the sacred over oil and extractive industries, while insisting that settler society honour Indigenous law and jurisdiction over unceded territories rather than exploiting lands and reducing them to their natural resources.

Genres: Indigenous, Nonfiction, Memoir, Environment, Audiobook, Native American, Modern

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2023

Reviews

[Sabrina Lusty Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned so much and I have a better understanding of First Nation people.

[Natasha Kearns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite writing/organizational style, but an interesting and empowering read.

[Clover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
Amazing book and the audiobook would be perfect!

This is written like you're sitting across from Rueben George, it's a little repetitive, circles back eventually, but it's his authentic way of telling his story. It was much more biographical than I expected, but that's necessary in these cases as it shows the entire picture.

It starts when George is a child and goes through how residential schools harmed generations of his family and how that trauma affected his life even though he himself didn't attend the schools. He speaks of his brother and his grandfather and how their dynamics worked. He believes he's just one bad choice from being like his brother and his brother is one good choice away from being like him. It's hard to read. It's dark, but it's also full of hope and change. He is open and honest and it shows how colonialism harmed him and how reconnecting with his culture healed him. It's the healing that helps place him on this path to fight against Kinder Morgan and the Canadian government.

It isn't until several chapters in that we get into the beginning of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, but we've been grounded in the importance of ceremony and being a steward to the land. He teaches us the true names of some places within "Vancouver" and concepts of his people. I always appreciate that, but I was sad when he switched back to using "Burrard Inlet".

I didn't realise there was an audiobook, and it's read by Rueben George himself! I think that is the best way to read this book as it's his story and it'll have even more depth to it. It might make it harder to take in, but the book is incredible and it's worth it. It's local to me and it's important, so really it's the best book that I've found at my library.

I'm so incredibly happy to have this at my library. Everyone should read it, it would be an amazing book club read. This is a book worth talking about, even tying it into the curriculum about the pipeline and the groups that all opposed it. Check your local library for a copy or request that they purchase it! Or even buy it for yourself or a loved one, it's worth it.

[CJ Opal · Rating 5 out of 5]

To understand the present, you have to start at the beginning. George takes us through history, from pre-colonial Turtle Island, to the beginnings of colonization, residential schools, the addiction epidemic affecting First Nations people, to the activism that very nearly succeeded in stopping the Trans Mountain Pipeline. George also goes through his own personal history, starting out as the youngest brother being protected by his older siblings when their parents were facing addiction, his own story of addiction, his healing in becoming a fire maker, dedicating himself to his community and ceremony to become Sundance Chief, and through his own experience working to stop the Trans Mountain Pipeline. George roots his stories in Tsleil-Waututh teachings, inviting his audience to understand spirit and how it affects everything around us.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know if many people will read this book but they should. It is not particularly well written, I found it a bit unstructured and repetitive. But perhaps that is what is necessary for the reader to only begin to comprehend the impact colonialism had and continues to have on our precious Indigenous peoples. Rueben George is not who was portrayed in the media during the conflict with the Trans Mountain pipeline. He is a visionary who is passionate about rebuilding his culture with the most open and kind heart despite the pain and abuse he and his people have suffered. Rueben George, the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and many other Indigenous groups are the true protectors of our planet against the devastating climate change effects coming our way.

[Chrisia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would highly recommend listening to the audio book. Hearing Rueben George’s tell his own stories and express his passion about the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and his devotion to healing and being in a reciprocal relationship with nature is something everyone can benefit from.

[Alana Ako · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not even finished reading yet but I want to give this man a hug. The writing style is really organic and feels conversational which gives it a really authentic feel. Really touching, inspirational yet informative!

[Carolyn Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It Stops Here - Standing Up For Our Lands, Our Waters, and Our People” by Reuben George with Michael Simpson. Narrated by Reuben George with an afterword by Michael Simpson.
This a MUST READ / LISTEN and is also a difficult read / listen. This is the author’s personal account of his confrontation with colonization that illuminates the philosophy and vaults of a First Nation on the front lines of the fight against an extractive industry, colonial government, and threats to the life-giving Salish Sea. How the Tsleil-Waututh Nation fought the development of the Trans Mountain Pipeline . But also showing us how systemic cultural genocide has affected so many generations. It sill shocks me when I hear the horrors of the residential schools. There is so much to digest in this part memoir part call to action and I learnt much about the deep ancestral connections to the land and water, sweat lodge ceremonies and Sun Dance.

Slated for release tomorrow- 29th August 2023. Thanks to @talismanonpender @librofm @penguincanada for the #ALC #ARC

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about the connection to the land I live on. I appreciate learning first accounts of how people are protecting the land and the layers of life that affect that work. I left this book wanting to read more from Rueben George and learn about ways to show up and be involved.

Some favourite bites, paraphrased because I listened to the book:

Just like some water rushes, while others meander, there is no one singular path to spiritual growth.

It's more important to use indigenous law that is much older and takes precedence over the canadian legal and political system that is currently in place.

We are not protesting when we follow indigenous law because Canadian law has only ever caused harm to indigenous people.

It's important to pick and choose our battles rather than spreading ourselves so thin. (Feeling this so much right now)

[Leila Danielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting Rueben on several occasions and so was thrilled to stumble upon his book. While I cannot claim to know him well, the book reads, as one of our mutual acquaintances so aptly put it, like having a conversation with Rueben himself. In it, Rueben invites you into his world; to meet his family and community, and to better understand what drives him.

“It Stops Here” is an important read for all Canadians and really, anyone interested in human rights, equity, and leaving this world a better place than it was when we came into it. I will be recommending it!

[Evgeniya Yangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, and it was very special that it was narrated by George Rueben himself. A very powerful, heartfelt book that tells a personal story of love and pain, shows horrible impacts of colonialism on our society and Indigenous communities, highlights the power of Indigenous people and their love for the Earth and doing so much for the environmental protection as the stewards of this land.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading It Stops Here felt like sitting with Rueben George and listening to a powerful story, not just reading one. The conversational style reflects an oral tradition—unpolished in a way that feels honest and grounded. I appreciated how George’s worldview embraces science rather than rejecting it. This book helped me understand how ceremony is medicine. I appreciate Rueben’s question: How do we lift everyone up? Is it possible? I’m grateful he invites us to wonder that with him.

[cande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful insight into the Tsleil-Waututh nation as I move into their unceded land. It feels like listening to an elder sharing stories; not very well structured, a bit repetitive, and you want to ask a lot of questions, all of which makes more sense when you get to the Afterword and learn that this was written based on conversations between Rueben George and Michael Simpson. One of the very few books I could find about the Tsleil-Waututh nation, so I'm grateful for it!

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired diatribe, somewhat elequently calling out the corruption within the Canadian state.

[James K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring and healing book. Very good medicine!

[Beth MacDougall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should read in bc first peoples

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had always wanted to know more about Chief Dan George and his family. This book helps me to appreciate more and the struggles Indigenious peoples continue to have.

[Helene Gosselin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting. Learned a lot. Stories repetitive but affecting multiple impacts.

[Starleigh Grass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating autobiography

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

A resounding, heartfelt and beautiful book.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal, powerful, spiritual, educational, & enlightening. It touched both my mind and my heart in equal measure, and helped me better understand what has actually happened to the people who have cared for this place for thousands of years. Thank you Rueben George - for your incredible leadership, and for all that you do to take care of your people, and the beautiful lands and waters that you call home. everyone who lives on Turtle Island should be required to read this book.