LIVE to DIE by Cam Stewart (Book Review #2250)

LIVE to DIE is a deeply personal work by Cam Stewart. It is an amazing and courageous work that describes how to live a purposeful life through the lens of diversity, inclusion, and equity (DIE). Stewart draws on his experiences over the last four decades as a law enforcement officer, human rights advocate, and culturally engaged individual, weaving his autobiographical reflections, professional insights, and practical knowledge into an action-oriented blueprint for aspiring leaders, community builders, and changemakers.

Stewart has framed his book around a bold acronym: DIE (Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity). Still, he has gone beyond that by developing an alternative framework, LIVE (Learn, Integrity, Valour, and Engagement). This four-part model is intended to help individuals move from theory to practice. The principles of these models are not merely abstract; they stem from Stewart’s rich experience as a street officer in Calgary and through national and international human rights advocacy.

Each chapter includes raw, authentic stories from Stewart’s past that describe his journey as a police officer, his challenges within a predominantly white police force, his awakening to systemic injustice, and his spiritual transformation through involvement with and service to Indigenous peoples across various communities. Stewart does not shy away from discussing complex subjects; he discusses racism, hate crimes, cultural appropriation, privilege, and allyship.

Additionally, Stewart’s call for action makes LIVE to DIE such a powerful text. He not only provides “Food For Thought” as reflection prompts, but also offers readers an opportunity to be edgewalkers – those who help build bridges across cultures, identities, and perspectives. LIVE to DIE is an invaluable source of reference, guidance, and encouragement for everyone: DEI practitioners, leaders seeking to create meaningful change, and those just beginning to explore social justice.

Stewart blends his experiences as a memoirist and mentor to be both inspirational and instructional. Stewart writes from the perspective of a servant-leader willing to take on the establishment while grounded in humility and hope. For anyone serious about making the world a fairer, kinder, and more connected place to live in, this book is a timely, transformative, and necessary read.

Written by Jeyran Main

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