Eating Bitterness: A Vision Beyond the Prison Walls

Art Solomon's second book, EATING BITTERNESS, embodies the history of the First Nations since the beginnings of colonization, a history which has left many Native people in poverty and in prison. For over 30 years, Art Solomon, an Anishnabe spiritual teacher, has been carrying the message of Native spirituality to his brothers and sisters behind prison walls. His work there has been a critical element of the spiritual renewal which is spreading throughout the traditional nations of North America.

EATING BITTERNESS shows how people of the First Nations can eat their bitter history, using the lessons it can provide while relieving themselves of the toxic remnants.

EATING BITTERNESS is set in the context of the ecumenical dialogue in which Art Solomon has been engaged over the last four decades, and which has taken him to every continent on the globe. Wherever people have been able to open themselves to traditional Anishnabe teachings, Art's voice has been heard. He speaks not so much with anger as with the righteous indignation of one who has spent too much time face to face with the oppression of his people. As he often says, "If there is no justice, there will be no peace on Earth".