Arthur Ray's extensive knowledge in the history of the fur trade and Native economic history brought him into the courts as an expert witness in the mid-1980s. For over twenty-five years he has been a part of landmark litigation concerning treaty rights, Aboriginal title, and Métis rights. In Telling It to the Judge, Ray recalls lengthy courtroom battles over lines of evidence, historical interpretation, and philosophies of history, reflecting on the problems inherent in teaching history in the adversarial courtroom setting. Told with charm and based on extensive experience, Telling It to the Judge is a unique narrative of courtroom strategy in the effort to obtain constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and treaty rights.

ARTHUR J. RAY is the author of, among other books, Indians and the Fur Trade. He is a professor emeritus of history at the University of British Columbia, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and co-editor of the Canadian Historical Review. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Arthur J. Ray's profile page

"By telling his story and placing the reader in the courtroom, the author provides a very informative, enlightening, and entertaining work. Summing Up: Highly recommended." CHOICE

“Arthur Ray draws upon many years of experience as an expert witness in this autobiographical account of his participation in court cases concerned with Aboriginal rights.” British Journal of Canadian Studies