WARNING: This article contains discussion of residential schools. Those in need of support can call the 24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.
As Justice Murray Sinclair famously said, “Education got us into this mess, and education will get us out of it.”
Although stories of residential schools are often highlighted on Truth and Reconciliation Day, it’s vital for Canadians to recognize and learn about the history of these institutions year-round.
Residential schools, and other colonial systems that came with them, continue to have lasting impacts on Indigenous communities.
Reading books on these topics is a great way to support Indigenous authors while continuing to educate yourself throughout the year.
Here are my top five books to read about the history of residential schools and their ongoing effects on Indigenous communities.
‘Five Little Indians’ by Michelle Good
This historical fiction book highlights an underrepresented part of the residential school experience — life after school.
Weaving together the experiences of five residential school survivors, the friendships between them are heartwarming, but the story is also gut-wrenching in many ways.
As the survivors leave residential school, they are initially relieved. But time and time again, they are disappointed to find themselves unprepared for the real world after feeling disconnected from their families, cultures and communities following years of isolation.
The story follows the characters in adulthood, exploring negative and positive coping methods. Characters explore impacts on their mental health, interpersonal relationships, sexualities and their abilities to parent.
This book will draw you in from the first chapter, and while it can be difficult to read about raw trauma, it will leave a lasting and meaningful impact.
‘Indian Horse’ by Richard Wagamese
This novel explores Saul Indian Horse’s journey in and after residential school, where he was physically, emotionally and sexually abused.
Even in his refuge of playing hockey, Indian Horse can’t seem to escape racism — demonstrating some of the larger impacts colonial systems play in many areas of life for Indigenous people.
This gripping story blends hockey, historical fiction and coming-of-age themes in a way that resonates with readers from many backgrounds.
‘Secret Path’ by Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire
This poetic graphic novel tells the true story of Chanie Wenjack, a boy who died running away from residential school in the 1960s through sorrowful illustrations and painfully-descriptive poems.
While this book was not written by an Indigenous author, the authors worked closely with Wenjack’s family to tell his story. All proceeds from the book and its associated musical album go to the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, which “aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.”
‘Call Me Indian’ by Fred Sasakamoose
It was difficult for some to understand when Fred Sasakamoose left the NHL after only 12 games. He was the first Indigenous player with treaty status to play in the league.
This first-person narrative tells Sasakamoose’s story of his departure from the Chicago Blackhawks to reconnect with his family after a childhood spent in residential school.
Later becoming a councillor and Chief for his First Nation, this resilient story shows one of the many non-linear paths survivors took to healing.
‘21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act’ by Bob Joseph
While this non-fiction book is informational enough to be used as a textbook in some courses, it is written in plain language for all Canadians to understand.
It explores the history of the Indian Act in a digestible way — the legislation responsible for the residential school system and other colonial policies that remain in place today.
This book guides readers through the past, present and future, noting ways the general public can make a difference and move towards true reconciliation.
Featured image by Marissa Meilleur/the Charlatan
