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VPL - A Residential School Reading List

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vpl_booksjustforyou21

Vancouver Public Library

Staff-created list

This is a reading list consisting of fiction, theatre, memoirs, and nonfiction text that documents the experiences of survivors and families victimized by the Canadian residential school system.

By:

vpl_booksjustforyou21

Vancouver Public Library

1-25 of 26 items

1-25 of 26 items

The Knowing

The Knowing

by Talaga, Tanya

Book - 2024

In 'The Knowing', Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga, retells the history of this country as only she can - through an Indigenous lens, by tracing the life o...Show more In 'The Knowing', Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga, retells the history of this country as only she can - through an Indigenous lens, by tracing the life of her great-great grandmother and family as they lived through this government- and Church-sanctioned genocide. Her great-grandmother was a residential school survivor, her great-grandfather was an Ojibwe trapper and labourer, and her grandmother is a member of Fort William First Nation. Show less

In 'The Knowing', Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga, retells the history of this country as only she can - through an Indigenous lens, by tracing the life o...Show more In 'The Knowing', Anishinaabe author Tanya Talaga, retells the history of this country as only she can - through an Indigenous lens, by tracing the life of her great-great grandmother and family as they lived through this government- and Church-sanctioned genocide. Her great-grandmother was a residential school survivor, her great-grandfather was an Ojibwe trapper and labourer, and her grandmother is a member of Fort William First Nation. Show less

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Kâ-pî-isi-kiskisiyân

Kâ-pî-isi-kiskisiyân

The Way I Remember

by Ratt, Solomon

Book - 2023

A residential school survivor finds his way back to his language and culture through his family's traditional stories. Ratt reflects on his memories throu...Show more A residential school survivor finds his way back to his language and culture through his family's traditional stories. Ratt reflects on his memories through his telling of autobiographical stories and traditional tales. In many ways, these stories reflect the experience of thousands of other Indigenous children, but Ratt's stories also stand apart in a significant way: he managed to retain his mother language of Cree by returning home to his parents each summer. Show less

A residential school survivor finds his way back to his language and culture through his family's traditional stories. Ratt reflects on his memories throu...Show more A residential school survivor finds his way back to his language and culture through his family's traditional stories. Ratt reflects on his memories through his telling of autobiographical stories and traditional tales. In many ways, these stories reflect the experience of thousands of other Indigenous children, but Ratt's stories also stand apart in a significant way: he managed to retain his mother language of Cree by returning home to his parents each summer. Show less

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The Fire Still Burns

The Fire Still Burns

Life in and After Residential School

by George, Sam

Book - 2023

My name is Sam George. In spite of everything that happened to me, by the grace of the Creator, I have lived to be an Elder.' The crimes carried out at St...Show more My name is Sam George. In spite of everything that happened to me, by the grace of the Creator, I have lived to be an Elder.' The crimes carried out at St. Paul's Indian Residential School in North Vancouver scarred untold numbers of Indigenous children and families across generations. Sam George was one of these children. Show less

My name is Sam George. In spite of everything that happened to me, by the grace of the Creator, I have lived to be an Elder.' The crimes carried out at St...Show more My name is Sam George. In spite of everything that happened to me, by the grace of the Creator, I have lived to be an Elder.' The crimes carried out at St. Paul's Indian Residential School in North Vancouver scarred untold numbers of Indigenous children and families across generations. Sam George was one of these children. Show less

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All the Quiet Places

All the Quiet Places

by Isaac, Brian Thomas

Book - 2021

This is a coming-of-age story about Eddie Toma, a Syilx child living on the Okanagan Indian Reserve in the 1950s and 60s. The novel opens with Eddie as a 4 year old child as he shares his observations growing up into his late teens. This is a coming-of-age story about Eddie Toma, a Syilx child living on the Okanagan Indian Reserve in the 1950s and 60s. The novel opens with Eddie as a 4 year old child as he shares his observations growing up into his late teens. Show less

This is a coming-of-age story about Eddie Toma, a Syilx child living on the Okanagan Indian Reserve in the 1950s and 60s. The novel opens with Eddie as a 4 year old child as he shares his observations growing up into his late teens. This is a coming-of-age story about Eddie Toma, a Syilx child living on the Okanagan Indian Reserve in the 1950s and 60s. The novel opens with Eddie as a 4 year old child as he shares his observations growing up into his late teens. Show less

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Nishga

Nishga

by Abel, Jordan

Book - 2020

The colonial violence against Jordan Abel and his family is examined in this extremely personal autobiography. Nishga is Abel's exploration of his identit...Show more The colonial violence against Jordan Abel and his family is examined in this extremely personal autobiography. Nishga is Abel's exploration of his identity as a survivor of the residential school system, a system that remains an invisible force in both Canada's history and Canada's present. Show less

The colonial violence against Jordan Abel and his family is examined in this extremely personal autobiography. Nishga is Abel's exploration of his identit...Show more The colonial violence against Jordan Abel and his family is examined in this extremely personal autobiography. Nishga is Abel's exploration of his identity as a survivor of the residential school system, a system that remains an invisible force in both Canada's history and Canada's present. Show less

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Five Little Indians

Five Little Indians

by Good, Michelle

Book - 2020

The story of five residential school survivors as they make their way through very different lives, all trying to overcome the traumas of their shared past. The story of five residential school survivors as they make their way through very different lives, all trying to overcome the traumas of their shared past. Show less

The story of five residential school survivors as they make their way through very different lives, all trying to overcome the traumas of their shared past. The story of five residential school survivors as they make their way through very different lives, all trying to overcome the traumas of their shared past. Show less

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Beyond the Orange Shirt Story

Beyond the Orange Shirt Story

A Collection of Stories From Family and Friends of Phyllis Webstad Before, During, and After Their Residential School Experiences

by Webstad, Phyllis

Book - 2021

As a 6-year-old, Phyllis Webstad was the little girl whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. This book collects the memories of six generations of her family. As a 6-year-old, Phyllis Webstad was the little girl whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. This book collects the memories of six generations of her family. Show less

As a 6-year-old, Phyllis Webstad was the little girl whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. This book collects the memories of six generations of her family. As a 6-year-old, Phyllis Webstad was the little girl whose orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. This book collects the memories of six generations of her family. Show less

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Porcupines and China Dolls

Porcupines and China Dolls

by Alexie, Robert Arthur

Book - 2002

This book details the cause and effect of the residential school system on the NWT's Teetl'it Gwich'in. 30 years after his "schooling" Jake Nola...Show more This book details the cause and effect of the residential school system on the NWT's Teetl'it Gwich'in. 30 years after his "schooling" Jake Noland recognizes a former priest from the school. The recognition stirs painful memories which he shares with his community. Breaking his silence leads to others in the community sharing similar histories of abuse and pressing charges. Show less

This book details the cause and effect of the residential school system on the NWT's Teetl'it Gwich'in. 30 years after his "schooling" Jake Nola...Show more This book details the cause and effect of the residential school system on the NWT's Teetl'it Gwich'in. 30 years after his "schooling" Jake Noland recognizes a former priest from the school. The recognition stirs painful memories which he shares with his community. Breaking his silence leads to others in the community sharing similar histories of abuse and pressing charges. Show less

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Behind Closed Doors

Behind Closed Doors

Stories From the Kamloops Indian Residential School

Book - 2006

Revised edition. Thirty-two people share their experiences at the Kamloops Indian Residential School which operated from 1893-1979. Revised edition. Thirty-two people share their experiences at the Kamloops Indian Residential School which operated from 1893-1979. Show less

Revised edition. Thirty-two people share their experiences at the Kamloops Indian Residential School which operated from 1893-1979. Revised edition. Thirty-two people share their experiences at the Kamloops Indian Residential School which operated from 1893-1979. Show less

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Com-plic-it

Com-plic-it

by Bamberry, Lee Jay

Book -

An original play that is written and directed by Lee Jay Bamberry who explores the identity and hope during the 1960s resident school era. An original play that is written and directed by Lee Jay Bamberry who explores the identity and hope during the 1960s resident school era. Show less

An original play that is written and directed by Lee Jay Bamberry who explores the identity and hope during the 1960s resident school era. An original play that is written and directed by Lee Jay Bamberry who explores the identity and hope during the 1960s resident school era. Show less

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Spíləx̣m

Spíləx̣m

A Weaving of Recovery, Resilience, and Resurgence

by Campbell, Nicola I.

Book - 2021

Nicola I. Campbell is known for her work in children’s literature (e.g. Shi-shi-etko, Chin-chi’s Canoe, and others) but here she uses poetry and prose to share her stories and experiences in this deeply personal memoir. Nicola I. Campbell is known for her work in children’s literature (e.g. Shi-shi-etko, Chin-chi’s Canoe, and others) but here she uses poetry and prose to share her stories and experiences in this deeply personal memoir. Show less

Nicola I. Campbell is known for her work in children’s literature (e.g. Shi-shi-etko, Chin-chi’s Canoe, and others) but here she uses poetry and prose to share her stories and experiences in this deeply personal memoir. Nicola I. Campbell is known for her work in children’s literature (e.g. Shi-shi-etko, Chin-chi’s Canoe, and others) but here she uses poetry and prose to share her stories and experiences in this deeply personal memoir. Show less

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Call Me Indian

Call Me Indian

From the Trauma of Residential School to Becoming the NHL's First Treaty Indigenous Player

by Sasakamoose, Fred

Book - 2021

Prior to his life as a professional hockey player in the NHL, Fred Sasakamoose’s (1933-2020) identity was stripped away and abused at the residential scho...Show more Prior to his life as a professional hockey player in the NHL, Fred Sasakamoose’s (1933-2020) identity was stripped away and abused at the residential school in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. He recounts his painful experiences during his childhood, his path towards hockey, and his post-hockey life where he works to reclaim what he lost. Show less

Prior to his life as a professional hockey player in the NHL, Fred Sasakamoose’s (1933-2020) identity was stripped away and abused at the residential scho...Show more Prior to his life as a professional hockey player in the NHL, Fred Sasakamoose’s (1933-2020) identity was stripped away and abused at the residential school in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. He recounts his painful experiences during his childhood, his path towards hockey, and his post-hockey life where he works to reclaim what he lost. Show less

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Did You See Us?

Did You See Us?

Reunion, Remembrance, and Reclamation at An Urban Indian Residential School

Book - 2021

The Assiniboia school operated in Winnipeg between 1958 and 1973, toward the end of the residential school era. It was a rare urban school in the resident...Show more The Assiniboia school operated in Winnipeg between 1958 and 1973, toward the end of the residential school era. It was a rare urban school in the residential system. This volume gathers the memories of students at the school, from the day-to-day life to the bonds of memories that still tie them together Show less

The Assiniboia school operated in Winnipeg between 1958 and 1973, toward the end of the residential school era. It was a rare urban school in the resident...Show more The Assiniboia school operated in Winnipeg between 1958 and 1973, toward the end of the residential school era. It was a rare urban school in the residential system. This volume gathers the memories of students at the school, from the day-to-day life to the bonds of memories that still tie them together Show less

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Burning in This Midnight Dream

Burning in This Midnight Dream

by Halfe, Louise

Book - 2021

A deeply personal and raw poetry collection written in response to the colonial violence towards Indigenous families when children were forcibly removed a...Show more A deeply personal and raw poetry collection written in response to the colonial violence towards Indigenous families when children were forcibly removed and abused at residential schools. Halfe recounts the intergenerational trauam that continues to haunt and damage survivors and Indigenous communities. Show less

A deeply personal and raw poetry collection written in response to the colonial violence towards Indigenous families when children were forcibly removed a...Show more A deeply personal and raw poetry collection written in response to the colonial violence towards Indigenous families when children were forcibly removed and abused at residential schools. Halfe recounts the intergenerational trauam that continues to haunt and damage survivors and Indigenous communities. Show less

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Resistance and Renewal

Resistance and Renewal

Surviving the Indian Residential School

by Haig-Brown, Celia

Book - 1988

13 elders who attended the Indian Residential School in Kamloops between 1907-1967, are interviewed about daily life at the school. 13 elders who attended the Indian Residential School in Kamloops between 1907-1967, are interviewed about daily life at the school. Show less

13 elders who attended the Indian Residential School in Kamloops between 1907-1967, are interviewed about daily life at the school. 13 elders who attended the Indian Residential School in Kamloops between 1907-1967, are interviewed about daily life at the school. Show less

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Genocidal Love

Genocidal Love

A Life After Residential School

by Fox, Bevann

Book - 2020

Bevann Fox, or "Myrtle" as her chosen name, explores the trauma as a residential school survivor in this work of fiction. Her story highlights the painful and re-traumatizing effects as a survivor demanding compensation. Bevann Fox, or "Myrtle" as her chosen name, explores the trauma as a residential school survivor in this work of fiction. Her story highlights the painful and re-traumatizing effects as a survivor demanding compensation. Show less

Bevann Fox, or "Myrtle" as her chosen name, explores the trauma as a residential school survivor in this work of fiction. Her story highlights the painful and re-traumatizing effects as a survivor demanding compensation. Bevann Fox, or "Myrtle" as her chosen name, explores the trauma as a residential school survivor in this work of fiction. Her story highlights the painful and re-traumatizing effects as a survivor demanding compensation. Show less

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Finding My Talk

Finding My Talk

How Fourteen Native Women Reclaimed Their Lives After Residential School

by Grant, Agnes

Book - 2004

Fourteen women discuss how they reclaimed their culture after their experiences in residential school system. Fourteen women discuss how they reclaimed their culture after their experiences in residential school system. Show less

Fourteen women discuss how they reclaimed their culture after their experiences in residential school system. Fourteen women discuss how they reclaimed their culture after their experiences in residential school system. Show less

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Where are the Children Buried? by Dr. Scott Hamilton

https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AAA-Hamilton-cemetery-FInal.pdf

Web Resource

A detailed report written for the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission examining where residential school children are buried by studying archiva...Show more A detailed report written for the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission examining where residential school children are buried by studying archival data, historic burial policies, and maps and satellite images. See also the figures and illustrations created for the report. Show less

A Knock on the Door

A Knock on the Door

The Essential History of Residential Schools From the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Book - 2016

Concise presentation of the essential history and legacy of residential schools. Concise presentation of the essential history and legacy of residential schools. Show less

Concise presentation of the essential history and legacy of residential schools. Concise presentation of the essential history and legacy of residential schools. Show less

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Lessons Learned

Survivor Perspectives

Website or Online Data - 2020?

A report to summarize residential school survivors experiences and to identify "lessons learned" related to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. A report to summarize residential school survivors experiences and to identify "lessons learned" related to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Show less

A report to summarize residential school survivors experiences and to identify "lessons learned" related to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. A report to summarize residential school survivors experiences and to identify "lessons learned" related to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Show less

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Honouring the Strength of Indian Women

Honouring the Strength of Indian Women

Plays, Stories, Poetry

by Manuel, Vera

Book - 2019

Ktunaxa-Secwepemc writer and educator Vera Manuel reflects on the trauma of residential schools in this collection of plays, stories and poetry. Manuel uses art as part of her healing and resurgence. Ktunaxa-Secwepemc writer and educator Vera Manuel reflects on the trauma of residential schools in this collection of plays, stories and poetry. Manuel uses art as part of her healing and resurgence. Show less

Ktunaxa-Secwepemc writer and educator Vera Manuel reflects on the trauma of residential schools in this collection of plays, stories and poetry. Manuel uses art as part of her healing and resurgence. Ktunaxa-Secwepemc writer and educator Vera Manuel reflects on the trauma of residential schools in this collection of plays, stories and poetry. Manuel uses art as part of her healing and resurgence. Show less

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Pathways of Reconciliation

Pathways of Reconciliation

Indigenous and Settler Approaches to Implementing the TRC's Calls to Action

Book - 2020

A collection of essays to inform and guide settlers during their reconciliation and decolonization process. A collection of essays to inform and guide settlers during their reconciliation and decolonization process. Show less

A collection of essays to inform and guide settlers during their reconciliation and decolonization process. A collection of essays to inform and guide settlers during their reconciliation and decolonization process. Show less

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Power Through Testimony

Power Through Testimony

Reframing Residential Schools in the Age of Reconciliation

Book - 2017

The purpose of this book is to study whether the testimonies heard by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as official apologies, have the cap...Show more The purpose of this book is to study whether the testimonies heard by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as official apologies, have the capacity to transform the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settlers, and whether it distracted from Indigenous goals of self-determination and the restitution of homelands. Show less

The purpose of this book is to study whether the testimonies heard by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as official apologies, have the cap...Show more The purpose of this book is to study whether the testimonies heard by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as official apologies, have the capacity to transform the relationship between Indigenous peoples and settlers, and whether it distracted from Indigenous goals of self-determination and the restitution of homelands. Show less

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They Called Me Number One

They Called Me Number One

Secrets and Survival at An Indian Residential School

by Sellars, Bev

Book - 2013

Chief Bev Sellars’ frank and poignant memoir recounts her years at St. Joseph's Mission, a church-run residential school in Williams Lake, BC. Chief Selle...Show more Chief Bev Sellars’ frank and poignant memoir recounts her years at St. Joseph's Mission, a church-run residential school in Williams Lake, BC. Chief Sellers recounts the experiences of three generations of women who attended the school, interweaving the personal histories of her grandmother and her mother with her own. Show less

Chief Bev Sellars’ frank and poignant memoir recounts her years at St. Joseph's Mission, a church-run residential school in Williams Lake, BC. Chief Selle...Show more Chief Bev Sellars’ frank and poignant memoir recounts her years at St. Joseph's Mission, a church-run residential school in Williams Lake, BC. Chief Sellers recounts the experiences of three generations of women who attended the school, interweaving the personal histories of her grandmother and her mother with her own. Show less

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Knowing the Past, Facing the Future

Knowing the Past, Facing the Future

Indigenous Education in Canada

Book - 2019

"This book provides innovative reflections on long-standing issues in Indigenous education in Canada and suggests possible pathways to address the educational debt that Canada owes Indigenous peoples. " British Journal of Canadian Studies "This book provides innovative reflections on long-standing issues in Indigenous education in Canada and suggests possible pathways to address the educational debt that Canada owes Indigenous peoples. " British Journal of Canadian Studies Show less

"This book provides innovative reflections on long-standing issues in Indigenous education in Canada and suggests possible pathways to address the educational debt that Canada owes Indigenous peoples. " British Journal of Canadian Studies "This book provides innovative reflections on long-standing issues in Indigenous education in Canada and suggests possible pathways to address the educational debt that Canada owes Indigenous peoples. " British Journal of Canadian Studies Show less

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