Last month, Charles and I were appalled to learn about the recent discovery of the remains of 215 children in a mass grave at the site of the former Kamloops Residential School in British Columbia. With this discovery brought sadness and anger; such things should never have happened. As a Canadian born to immigrants of this land I benefit from the atrocities carried about by the settlers and colonizers over the past many centuries. I feel conflicted having lived a life full of peace, opportunity, safety and comfort, at the expense of the Indigenous Peoples. Many of you may also be struggling with similar feelings, and as readers you’re looking for ways to educate yourselves on the situation here in Canada.
Given that June is also National Indigenous History Month, now is a perfect time to intentionally educate ourselves and to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.
June is National Indigenous History Month and now is a perfect time to intentionally educate ourselves and to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. #IndigenousHistoryMonth
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I recommend that we all read the Truth and Reconciliation Report below as a means of understanding more about the commitments that have been made to Indigenous Peoples and the actions that we can all take or advocate for.
Along with the TRC Report, I will be adding to my June to-read list:
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality by Bob Joseph
Based on a viral article, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act is the essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussion on generations of Indigenous Peoples, written by a leading cultural sensitivity trainer.
Since its creation in 1876, the Indian Act has shaped, controlled, and constrained the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, and is at the root of many enduring stereotypes. Bob Joseph’s book comes at a key time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo. Joseph explains how Indigenous Peoples can step out from under the Indian Act and return to self-government, self-determination, and self-reliance – and why doing so would result in a better country for every Canadian. He dissects the complex issues around truth and reconciliation, and clearly demonstrates why learning about the Indian Act’s cruel, enduring legacy is essential for the country to move toward true reconciliation.
Description from Page Two Books, Inc.
You can purchase 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act on Indigo.ca or Amazon.
The Inconvenient Indian: A Curious Account of Native People in North America
Rich with dark and light, pain and magic, The Inconvenient Indian distills the insights gleaned from Thomas King’s critical and personal meditation on what it means to be “Indian” in North America, weaving the curiously circular tale of the relationship between non-Natives and Natives in the centuries since the two first encountered each other. In the process, King refashions old stories about historical events and figures, takes a sideways look at film and pop culture, relates his own complex experiences with activism, and articulates a deep and revolutionary understanding of the cumulative effects of ever-shifting laws and treaties on Native peoples and lands.
Description by Doubleday Canada
You can purchase The Inconvenient Indian on Indigo.ca or Amazon.
Have you already read these or other books by or about Indigenous history or life in Canada? Let us know what books you’ve read in the reply section below.
Raven's Reads 