This Thursday, September 30 is Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to reflect on the history and ongoing legacy of Residential Schools. The BWG Library has put together a reading list of books of Indigenous stories by Indigenous authors sharing their stories.
If you need help finding the right book, let the BWG Library know. Message them through Facebook or email [email protected].
Adult
From Bear Rock Mountain by Antoine Bear Rock Mountain
In this poetic, poignant memoire, Dene artist and social activist Antoine Mountain paints an unforgettable picture of his journey from residential school to art school and his path to healing.
Five Little Indians by Michelle Good
Five Little Indians chronicles the desperate quest of these residential school survivors to come to terms with their past and, ultimately, find a way forward.
Young Adult
Speaking Our Truth by Monique Gray Smith
Discusses the impact of residential schools on the lives of Indigenous Canadians and presents stories of those affected.
Powow Summer by Nahanni Shingoose
On her family’s nearby reserve, River learns more than she expects about the lives of Indigenous people,
including the presence of Indigenous gangs and the multi-generational effects of the residential school
system.
Children
I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe
I Lost My Talk tells the revered Mi’kmaw Elder’s childhood story of losing her language while a resident of the residential school in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia.
When We Were Alone by David Robertson
In her grandmother’s garden, a young girl notices her grandma’s way of being. As she asks her
grandmother about herself, she is told about like in a residential school.
