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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

26-50 of 51 items

26-50 of 51 items

Indian School Days

Indian School Days

by Johnston, Basil

Book - 1988

In 1939, 10-year-old Basil Johnston was taken to the St. Peter Claver Residential School in the community of Spanish on Manitoulin Island. Despite the har...Show more In 1939, 10-year-old Basil Johnston was taken to the St. Peter Claver Residential School in the community of Spanish on Manitoulin Island. Despite the harsh routines, the culture shock, and the loniliness he experienced, Basil's account is often touched with humour. Johnston went on to graduate from the school and become a teacher himself as well as a researcher who documented First Nation's culture. Show less

In 1939, 10-year-old Basil Johnston was taken to the St. Peter Claver Residential School in the community of Spanish on Manitoulin Island. Despite the har...Show more In 1939, 10-year-old Basil Johnston was taken to the St. Peter Claver Residential School in the community of Spanish on Manitoulin Island. Despite the harsh routines, the culture shock, and the loniliness he experienced, Basil's account is often touched with humour. Johnston went on to graduate from the school and become a teacher himself as well as a researcher who documented First Nation's culture. Show less

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A Stranger at Home

A Stranger at Home

A True Story

by Jordan-Fenton, Christy

Book - 2011

In the sequel to her earlier memoir, Fatty Legs, the author recalls the reverse culture shock she experienced when she returned home after two years in a residential school where she had to adapt to a new name, a new religion, and a new culture. In the sequel to her earlier memoir, Fatty Legs, the author recalls the reverse culture shock she experienced when she returned home after two years in a residential school where she had to adapt to a new name, a new religion, and a new culture. Show less

In the sequel to her earlier memoir, Fatty Legs, the author recalls the reverse culture shock she experienced when she returned home after two years in a residential school where she had to adapt to a new name, a new religion, and a new culture. In the sequel to her earlier memoir, Fatty Legs, the author recalls the reverse culture shock she experienced when she returned home after two years in a residential school where she had to adapt to a new name, a new religion, and a new culture. Show less

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Back to the Red Road

Back to the Red Road

A Story of Survival, Redemption and Love

by Kaefer, Florence

Book - 2014

This is the story of the reconciliation between a teacher and a former student at the Norway Residential School in Manitoba. Florence Kaefer was a 19-year...Show more This is the story of the reconciliation between a teacher and a former student at the Norway Residential School in Manitoba. Florence Kaefer was a 19-year-old teacher at the school when she first met 5-year-old Edward. Many years later, she became reaquainted with Edward through the songs he wrote about his experiences at the school. Show less

This is the story of the reconciliation between a teacher and a former student at the Norway Residential School in Manitoba. Florence Kaefer was a 19-year...Show more This is the story of the reconciliation between a teacher and a former student at the Norway Residential School in Manitoba. Florence Kaefer was a 19-year-old teacher at the school when she first met 5-year-old Edward. Many years later, she became reaquainted with Edward through the songs he wrote about his experiences at the school. Show less

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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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My Name Is Shield Woman

My Name Is Shield Woman

A Hard Road to Healing, Vision, and Leadership

by Lock, Ruth Awo Taanaakii Scalp

Book - 2014

Ruth Scalp Lock, Awo Taanaakii, speaks about the healing and leadership that followed her experiences at residential school experiences and with abuse and addiction. Ruth Scalp Lock, Awo Taanaakii, speaks about the healing and leadership that followed her experiences at residential school experiences and with abuse and addiction. Show less

Ruth Scalp Lock, Awo Taanaakii, speaks about the healing and leadership that followed her experiences at residential school experiences and with abuse and addiction. Ruth Scalp Lock, Awo Taanaakii, speaks about the healing and leadership that followed her experiences at residential school experiences and with abuse and addiction. 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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Sojourners and Sundogs

Sojourners and Sundogs

First Nations Fiction

by Maracle, Lee

Book - 1999

This collection includes Maracle's novel Sundogs with its central theme of an individual caught between two cultures. Marianne, a young girl living in Van...Show more This collection includes Maracle's novel Sundogs with its central theme of an individual caught between two cultures. Marianne, a young girl living in Vancouver laments "At home, I'm not Indian enough and at school I am too Indian." Maracle's short story "Charlie" is the tragic story of a boy who dies while trying to run away from a residential school. Show less

This collection includes Maracle's novel Sundogs with its central theme of an individual caught between two cultures. Marianne, a young girl living in Van...Show more This collection includes Maracle's novel Sundogs with its central theme of an individual caught between two cultures. Marianne, a young girl living in Vancouver laments "At home, I'm not Indian enough and at school I am too Indian." Maracle's short story "Charlie" is the tragic story of a boy who dies while trying to run away from a residential school. Show less

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Where Mary Went

Where Mary Went

by McLean, Lynne Sherry

Book - 2010

After the death of her mother, the young Mary Fisher is sent to an abusive residential school. Despite this cruel beginning, Mary's life is not marked for tragedy and she matures into a likeable and resilient young woman. After the death of her mother, the young Mary Fisher is sent to an abusive residential school. Despite this cruel beginning, Mary's life is not marked for tragedy and she matures into a likeable and resilient young woman. Show less

After the death of her mother, the young Mary Fisher is sent to an abusive residential school. Despite this cruel beginning, Mary's life is not marked for tragedy and she matures into a likeable and resilient young woman. After the death of her mother, the young Mary Fisher is sent to an abusive residential school. Despite this cruel beginning, Mary's life is not marked for tragedy and she matures into a likeable and resilient young woman. Show less

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Hanaway

Hanaway

by Metatawabin, Edmund

Book - 2004

At 7, Edmund Metatawabin was sent to the St. Anne's Residential School for eight long years. Metatawabin fashions his story as an allegory about cultural resistance and survival. At 7, Edmund Metatawabin was sent to the St. Anne's Residential School for eight long years. Metatawabin fashions his story as an allegory about cultural resistance and survival. Show less

At 7, Edmund Metatawabin was sent to the St. Anne's Residential School for eight long years. Metatawabin fashions his story as an allegory about cultural resistance and survival. At 7, Edmund Metatawabin was sent to the St. Anne's Residential School for eight long years. Metatawabin fashions his story as an allegory about cultural resistance and survival. Show less

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No Time to Say Goodbye

No Time to Say Goodbye

Children's Stories of Kuper Island Residential School

by Olsen, Sylvia

Book - 2001

This award-winning young adult book is the fictional account of five children from a Tsartlip First Nations community who are sent to live at the Kulper Island Residential School. This award-winning young adult book is the fictional account of five children from a Tsartlip First Nations community who are sent to live at the Kulper Island Residential School. Show less

This award-winning young adult book is the fictional account of five children from a Tsartlip First Nations community who are sent to live at the Kulper Island Residential School. This award-winning young adult book is the fictional account of five children from a Tsartlip First Nations community who are sent to live at the Kulper Island Residential School. 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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Unsettling the Settler Within

Unsettling the Settler Within

Indian Residential Schools, Truth Telling, and Reconciliation in Canada

by Regan, Paulette

Book - 2010

A compassionate call to action, this powerful book offers a new and hopeful path toward healing the wounds of the past. Nominated for the 2012 Canada Prize. A compassionate call to action, this powerful book offers a new and hopeful path toward healing the wounds of the past. Nominated for the 2012 Canada Prize. Show less

A compassionate call to action, this powerful book offers a new and hopeful path toward healing the wounds of the past. Nominated for the 2012 Canada Prize. A compassionate call to action, this powerful book offers a new and hopeful path toward healing the wounds of the past. Nominated for the 2012 Canada Prize. Show less

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When We Were Alone

When We Were Alone

by Robertson, David

Book - 2016

A young girl's curiosity leads her to ask questions to her grandmother. Questions about clothing, hairstyle and the Cree language the grandmother speaks. She is told about life in a residential school, where everything was taken away. A young girl's curiosity leads her to ask questions to her grandmother. Questions about clothing, hairstyle and the Cree language the grandmother speaks. She is told about life in a residential school, where everything was taken away. Show less

A young girl's curiosity leads her to ask questions to her grandmother. Questions about clothing, hairstyle and the Cree language the grandmother speaks. She is told about life in a residential school, where everything was taken away. A young girl's curiosity leads her to ask questions to her grandmother. Questions about clothing, hairstyle and the Cree language the grandmother speaks. She is told about life in a residential school, where everything was taken away. Show less

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The Education of Augie Merasty

The Education of Augie Merasty

A Residential School Memoir

by Merasty, Joseph Auguste

Book - 2015

As a child, Joseph "Augie" Merasty experienced first hand to government's policy of "aggressive assimilation" dished-out at the church...Show more As a child, Joseph "Augie" Merasty experienced first hand to government's policy of "aggressive assimilation" dished-out at the church-run St Terese Residential School in Sturgeon Landing. Now in his late 80s, Merasty has published a memoir of his experiences with the assistance of author David Carpenter. Show less

As a child, Joseph "Augie" Merasty experienced first hand to government's policy of "aggressive assimilation" dished-out at the church...Show more As a child, Joseph "Augie" Merasty experienced first hand to government's policy of "aggressive assimilation" dished-out at the church-run St Terese Residential School in Sturgeon Landing. Now in his late 80s, Merasty has published a memoir of his experiences with the assistance of author David Carpenter. 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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What We Learned

What We Learned

Two Generations Reflect on Tsimshian Education and the Day Schools

by Raptis, Helen

Book - 2016

A collection of memories from two generations of Tsimshian former students forced to attend the day schools in northwestern BC. A collection of memories from two generations of Tsimshian former students forced to attend the day schools in northwestern BC. Show less

A collection of memories from two generations of Tsimshian former students forced to attend the day schools in northwestern BC. A collection of memories from two generations of Tsimshian former students forced to attend the day schools in northwestern BC. Show less

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My Name Is Seepeetza

My Name Is Seepeetza

by Sterling, Shirley

Book - 1992

In the 1950s. a sixth-grader named Seepeetza has her name changed to Martha Stone when she is sent to an Indian residential school in British Columbia. In...Show more In the 1950s. a sixth-grader named Seepeetza has her name changed to Martha Stone when she is sent to an Indian residential school in British Columbia. In her autobiographical novel, Sterling details life at the school and her feelings toward her family. Show less

In the 1950s. a sixth-grader named Seepeetza has her name changed to Martha Stone when she is sent to an Indian residential school in British Columbia. In...Show more In the 1950s. a sixth-grader named Seepeetza has her name changed to Martha Stone when she is sent to an Indian residential school in British Columbia. In her autobiographical novel, Sterling details life at the school and her feelings toward her family. 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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Toronto at Dreamer's Rock ; And, Education Is Our Right

Toronto at Dreamer's Rock ; And, Education Is Our Right

Two One Act Plays

by Taylor, Drew Hayden

Book - 1990

Much of the literature about residential schools concerns young adults who are caught between two cultures. In Toronto at Dreamer's Rock, a young man name...Show more Much of the literature about residential schools concerns young adults who are caught between two cultures. In Toronto at Dreamer's Rock, a young man named Rusty meets two spirits who represent First Nation's culture past and future. Education Is Our Right offers a cheeky take on Dickens. The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs is visited by the Spirits of Education Past, Present , and Future in an attempt to enlighten his thinking. Show less

Much of the literature about residential schools concerns young adults who are caught between two cultures. In Toronto at Dreamer's Rock, a young man name...Show more Much of the literature about residential schools concerns young adults who are caught between two cultures. In Toronto at Dreamer's Rock, a young man named Rusty meets two spirits who represent First Nation's culture past and future. Education Is Our Right offers a cheeky take on Dickens. The Minister of Aboriginal Affairs is visited by the Spirits of Education Past, Present , and Future in an attempt to enlighten his thinking. Show less

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Mnidoo Bemaasing Bemaadiziwin

Mnidoo Bemaasing Bemaadiziwin

Reclaiming, Reconnecting, and Demystifying Resiliency as Life Force Energy for Residential School Survivors

by Turmel, Theresa

Book - 2020

Dr. Theresa Turmel gives a voice and power to residential school survivors in this "community based book." Turmel incorporates 25 years of research and interviews with survivors to share their life experiences, teachings, and resiliency. Dr. Theresa Turmel gives a voice and power to residential school survivors in this "community based book." Turmel incorporates 25 years of research and interviews with survivors to share their life experiences, teachings, and resiliency. Show less

Dr. Theresa Turmel gives a voice and power to residential school survivors in this "community based book." Turmel incorporates 25 years of research and interviews with survivors to share their life experiences, teachings, and resiliency. Dr. Theresa Turmel gives a voice and power to residential school survivors in this "community based book." Turmel incorporates 25 years of research and interviews with survivors to share their life experiences, teachings, and resiliency. Show less

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Two Plays About Residential School

Two Plays About Residential School

Book - 1998

In Vera Manuel's Strength of Indian Women, four elders share the secrets of their school years. Oskinko Larry Loyie's Ora Pro Nobis (Pray for Us), follows a group of boys trying to survive a residential school. In Vera Manuel's Strength of Indian Women, four elders share the secrets of their school years. Oskinko Larry Loyie's Ora Pro Nobis (Pray for Us), follows a group of boys trying to survive a residential school. Show less

In Vera Manuel's Strength of Indian Women, four elders share the secrets of their school years. Oskinko Larry Loyie's Ora Pro Nobis (Pray for Us), follows a group of boys trying to survive a residential school. In Vera Manuel's Strength of Indian Women, four elders share the secrets of their school years. Oskinko Larry Loyie's Ora Pro Nobis (Pray for Us), follows a group of boys trying to survive a residential school. Show less

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The Lesser Blessed

The Lesser Blessed

by Van Camp, Richard

Book - 1996

Richard Van Camp's 1996 novel deals in large part with breaking cycles of abuse. "Skinny as spaghetti" teenager Larry Sole is the son of residen...Show more Richard Van Camp's 1996 novel deals in large part with breaking cycles of abuse. "Skinny as spaghetti" teenager Larry Sole is the son of residential school survivors. The trauma that run deep in his family mirror the national trauma resulting from Canada's treatment of its First Nations people. Show less

Richard Van Camp's 1996 novel deals in large part with breaking cycles of abuse. "Skinny as spaghetti" teenager Larry Sole is the son of residen...Show more Richard Van Camp's 1996 novel deals in large part with breaking cycles of abuse. "Skinny as spaghetti" teenager Larry Sole is the son of residential school survivors. The trauma that run deep in his family mirror the national trauma resulting from Canada's treatment of its First Nations people. Show less

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Indian Horse

Indian Horse

A Novel

by Wagamese, Richard

Book - 2012

Facing his last days in a hospice in a large urban centre, Saul Indian Horse journeys back into his life as a northern Ojibway. The memories, both bitter ...Show more Facing his last days in a hospice in a large urban centre, Saul Indian Horse journeys back into his life as a northern Ojibway. The memories, both bitter and sweet, take him back to his childhood when he was taken away from his family and sent to residential school. He also remembers how the sport of hockey saved his life, despite the racism and cultural alienation faced by First Nations people in Canada in the 1960s. Show less

Facing his last days in a hospice in a large urban centre, Saul Indian Horse journeys back into his life as a northern Ojibway. The memories, both bitter ...Show more Facing his last days in a hospice in a large urban centre, Saul Indian Horse journeys back into his life as a northern Ojibway. The memories, both bitter and sweet, take him back to his childhood when he was taken away from his family and sent to residential school. He also remembers how the sport of hockey saved his life, despite the racism and cultural alienation faced by First Nations people in Canada in the 1960s. Show less

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