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General Recommendations

A Residential Schools Reading List

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WCL_Picks

Wellington County Library

Staff-created list

September 30th is the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This list contains nonfiction, fiction and memoirs for all ages exploring the stories of residential school survivors and the impact of the residential school system on Indigenous individuals and communities.

By:

WCL_Picks

Wellington County Library

24 items

24 items

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

https://nctr.ca/

Web Resource

The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their ...Show more The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences. Show less

Residential Schools

Residential Schools

With the Words and Images of Survivors

by Loyie, Larry

Book - 2014

The personal experiences and memories of sixty-five Canadian residential school survivors (and/or their family members) are recorded in this book. The personal experiences and memories of sixty-five Canadian residential school survivors (and/or their family members) are recorded in this book. Show less

The personal experiences and memories of sixty-five Canadian residential school survivors (and/or their family members) are recorded in this book. The personal experiences and memories of sixty-five Canadian residential school survivors (and/or their family members) are recorded in this book. Show less

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Residential Schools

Residential Schools

by Hudak, Heather C.

Book - 2020

Discusses the history of residential schools where indigenous children were raised away from their families and communities, including why the government ...Show more Discusses the history of residential schools where indigenous children were raised away from their families and communities, including why the government established them, how Indigenous children were treated, and the lasting impact on Indigenous cultures and traditions. Show less

Discusses the history of residential schools where indigenous children were raised away from their families and communities, including why the government ...Show more Discusses the history of residential schools where indigenous children were raised away from their families and communities, including why the government established them, how Indigenous children were treated, and the lasting impact on Indigenous cultures and traditions. Show less

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Broken Circle

Broken Circle

The Dark Legacy of Indian Residential Schools : A Memoir

by Fontaine, Theodore

Book - 2010

Theodore (Ted) Fontaine lost his family and freedom just after his seventh birthday, when his parents were forced to leave him at an Indian residential s...Show more Theodore (Ted) Fontaine lost his family and freedom just after his seventh birthday, when his parents were forced to leave him at an Indian residential school by order of the Roman Catholic Church and the Government of Canada. Twelve years later, he left school frozen at the emotional age of seven. He was confused, angry and conflicted, on a path of self-destruction. At age 29, he emerged from this blackness. By age 32, he had graduated from the Civil Engineering Program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and begun a journey of self-exploration and healing. In this powerful and poignant memoir, Ted examines the impact of his psychological, emotional and sexual abuse, the loss of his language and culture, and, most important, the loss of his family and community. He goes beyond details of the abuses of Native children to relate a unique understanding of why most residential school survivors have post-traumatic stress disorders and why succeeding generations of First Nations children suffer from this dark chapter in history. Told as remembrances described with insights that have evolved through his healing, his story resonates with his resolve to help himself and other residential school survivors and to share his enduring belief that one can pick up the shattered pieces and use them for good. Show less

Theodore (Ted) Fontaine lost his family and freedom just after his seventh birthday, when his parents were forced to leave him at an Indian residential s...Show more Theodore (Ted) Fontaine lost his family and freedom just after his seventh birthday, when his parents were forced to leave him at an Indian residential school by order of the Roman Catholic Church and the Government of Canada. Twelve years later, he left school frozen at the emotional age of seven. He was confused, angry and conflicted, on a path of self-destruction. At age 29, he emerged from this blackness. By age 32, he had graduated from the Civil Engineering Program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and begun a journey of self-exploration and healing. In this powerful and poignant memoir, Ted examines the impact of his psychological, emotional and sexual abuse, the loss of his language and culture, and, most important, the loss of his family and community. He goes beyond details of the abuses of Native children to relate a unique understanding of why most residential school survivors have post-traumatic stress disorders and why succeeding generations of First Nations children suffer from this dark chapter in history. Told as remembrances described with insights that have evolved through his healing, his story resonates with his resolve to help himself and other residential school survivors and to share his enduring belief that one can pick up the shattered pieces and use them for good. Show less

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From Bear Rock Mountain

From Bear Rock Mountain

The Life and Times of A Dene Residential School Survivor

by Mountain, Antoine

Book - 2019

Antoine Mountain recalls growing up Dene in the Northwest Territories, the trauma of attending three different residential schools, becoming an activist i...Show more Antoine Mountain recalls growing up Dene in the Northwest Territories, the trauma of attending three different residential schools, becoming an activist in the Indian Brotherhood of the NWT, and his experience as a father and recovering from addiction. Show less

Antoine Mountain recalls growing up Dene in the Northwest Territories, the trauma of attending three different residential schools, becoming an activist i...Show more Antoine Mountain recalls growing up Dene in the Northwest Territories, the trauma of attending three different residential schools, becoming an activist in the Indian Brotherhood of the NWT, and his experience as a father and recovering from addiction. Show less

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These Are My Words

These Are My Words

The Residential School Diary of Violet Pesheens

by Slipperjack, Ruby

Book - 2016

Violet Pesheens struggles to adjust to her new life at residential school. She fears forgetting the things she treasures most, such as her traditional customs and Anishnabe language. Violet Pesheens struggles to adjust to her new life at residential school. She fears forgetting the things she treasures most, such as her traditional customs and Anishnabe language. Show less

Violet Pesheens struggles to adjust to her new life at residential school. She fears forgetting the things she treasures most, such as her traditional customs and Anishnabe language. Violet Pesheens struggles to adjust to her new life at residential school. She fears forgetting the things she treasures most, such as her traditional customs and Anishnabe language. 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

More than 70 years ago, Merasty was sent to St. Therese Residential School in Sturgeon Landing, on the border of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It was one of ...Show more More than 70 years ago, Merasty was sent to St. Therese Residential School in Sturgeon Landing, on the border of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It was one of the 130 church-run schools that all aboriginal children were required to attend as a part of a Canadian government policy of forced assimilation in the 20th century. Between 1935 and 1944, Merasty was physically and sexually abused, beaten, insulted, and exposed to unspeakable conditions by priests and nuns who were supposed to educate him. He carried the scars on his mind and body all his life. Show less

More than 70 years ago, Merasty was sent to St. Therese Residential School in Sturgeon Landing, on the border of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It was one of ...Show more More than 70 years ago, Merasty was sent to St. Therese Residential School in Sturgeon Landing, on the border of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. It was one of the 130 church-run schools that all aboriginal children were required to attend as a part of a Canadian government policy of forced assimilation in the 20th century. Between 1935 and 1944, Merasty was physically and sexually abused, beaten, insulted, and exposed to unspeakable conditions by priests and nuns who were supposed to educate him. He carried the scars on his mind and body all his life. 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

Shuswap Chief Bev Sellars recounts her residential school childhood at the St. Joseph's Mission at Williams Lake, British Columbia and the lasting effects her treatment there had on her later life. Shuswap Chief Bev Sellars recounts her residential school childhood at the St. Joseph's Mission at Williams Lake, British Columbia and the lasting effects her treatment there had on her later life. Show less

Shuswap Chief Bev Sellars recounts her residential school childhood at the St. Joseph's Mission at Williams Lake, British Columbia and the lasting effects her treatment there had on her later life. Shuswap Chief Bev Sellars recounts her residential school childhood at the St. Joseph's Mission at Williams Lake, British Columbia and the lasting effects her treatment there had on her later life. 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

No Time to Say Goodbyeis a fictional account of five children sent to aboriginal boarding school, based on the recollections of a number of Tsartlip First Nations people. No Time to Say Goodbyeis a fictional account of five children sent to aboriginal boarding school, based on the recollections of a number of Tsartlip First Nations people. Show less

No Time to Say Goodbyeis a fictional account of five children sent to aboriginal boarding school, based on the recollections of a number of Tsartlip First Nations people. No Time to Say Goodbyeis a fictional account of five children sent to aboriginal boarding school, based on the recollections of a number of Tsartlip First Nations people. Show less

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A National Crime

A National Crime

The Canadian Government and the Residential School System, 1879 to 1986

by Milloy, John Sheridan

Book - 1999

A history of the Residential School System. A history of the Residential School System. Show less

A history of the Residential School System. A history of the Residential School System. Show less

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Picking up the Pieces

Picking up the Pieces

Residential School Memories and the Making of the Witness Blanket

by Newman, Carey

Book - 2019

Picking Up the Pieces tells the story of the making of the Witness Blanket, a living work of art conceived and created by Indigenous artist Carey Newman. ...Show more Picking Up the Pieces tells the story of the making of the Witness Blanket, a living work of art conceived and created by Indigenous artist Carey Newman. It includes hundreds of items collected from residential schools across Canada, everything from bricks, photos and letters to hockey skates, dolls and braids. Every object tells a story. Show less

Picking Up the Pieces tells the story of the making of the Witness Blanket, a living work of art conceived and created by Indigenous artist Carey Newman. ...Show more Picking Up the Pieces tells the story of the making of the Witness Blanket, a living work of art conceived and created by Indigenous artist Carey Newman. It includes hundreds of items collected from residential schools across Canada, everything from bricks, photos and letters to hockey skates, dolls and braids. Every object tells a story. Show less

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As Long as the Rivers Flow

As Long as the Rivers Flow

A Last Summer Before Residential School

by Loyie, Larry

Book - 2002

Starting in the 1800s and continuing into the 20th century, First Nations children were forcibly taken to government-sponsored residential schools to eras...Show more Starting in the 1800s and continuing into the 20th century, First Nations children were forcibly taken to government-sponsored residential schools to erase their traditional languages and cultures. This moving book tells of one such child, author Larry Loyie, and his last summer with his Cree tribe. Show less

Starting in the 1800s and continuing into the 20th century, First Nations children were forcibly taken to government-sponsored residential schools to eras...Show more Starting in the 1800s and continuing into the 20th century, First Nations children were forcibly taken to government-sponsored residential schools to erase their traditional languages and cultures. This moving book tells of one such child, author Larry Loyie, and his last summer with his Cree tribe. Show less

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Orange Shirt Day, September 30th

Orange Shirt Day, September 30th

Book - 2020

On her first day at Residential School, Phyllis Webstad was forced to take off her shiny orange shirt. The shirt was taken away and never returned. Orange...Show more On her first day at Residential School, Phyllis Webstad was forced to take off her shiny orange shirt. The shirt was taken away and never returned. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad's story. By wearing an orange shirt on Orange Shirt Day you are helping to send a message that Residential Schools were wrong, and that every child matters. Show less

On her first day at Residential School, Phyllis Webstad was forced to take off her shiny orange shirt. The shirt was taken away and never returned. Orange...Show more On her first day at Residential School, Phyllis Webstad was forced to take off her shiny orange shirt. The shirt was taken away and never returned. Orange Shirt Day was inspired by Phyllis Webstad's story. By wearing an orange shirt on Orange Shirt Day you are helping to send a message that Residential Schools were wrong, and that every child matters. Show less

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When We Were Alone

When We Were Alone

by Robertson, David

Picture Book - 2016

When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided h...Show more When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength. Show less

When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided h...Show more When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength. Show less

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Secret Path

Secret Path

by Lemire, Jeff

Graphic Novel - 2016

In Secret Path, Gord Downie's lyrics and Jeff Lemire's illustrations tell the story of twelve-year-old Chanie "Charlie" Wenjack, who died on Oct...Show more In Secret Path, Gord Downie's lyrics and Jeff Lemire's illustrations tell the story of twelve-year-old Chanie "Charlie" Wenjack, who died on October 22, 1966, after running away from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School and attempting to make his way back to his home, more than 600 km away. Show less

In Secret Path, Gord Downie's lyrics and Jeff Lemire's illustrations tell the story of twelve-year-old Chanie "Charlie" Wenjack, who died on Oct...Show more In Secret Path, Gord Downie's lyrics and Jeff Lemire's illustrations tell the story of twelve-year-old Chanie "Charlie" Wenjack, who died on October 22, 1966, after running away from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School and attempting to make his way back to his home, more than 600 km away. Show less

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Speaking Our Truth

Speaking Our Truth

A Journey of Reconciliation

by Gray Smith, Monique

Book - 2017

Looks at ways to heal and repair the relationship between Canada and its Indigenous people which has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the impact of those schools. Looks at ways to heal and repair the relationship between Canada and its Indigenous people which has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the impact of those schools. Show less

Looks at ways to heal and repair the relationship between Canada and its Indigenous people which has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the impact of those schools. Looks at ways to heal and repair the relationship between Canada and its Indigenous people which has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the impact of those schools. Show less

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Shi-shi-etko

Shi-shi-etko

by Campbell, Nicola I.

Picture Book - 2005

Shi-shi-etko just has four days until she must leave her family and everything she knows to attend residential school. She spends her last days at home treasuring and appreciating the beauty of her world. Shi-shi-etko just has four days until she must leave her family and everything she knows to attend residential school. She spends her last days at home treasuring and appreciating the beauty of her world. Show less

Shi-shi-etko just has four days until she must leave her family and everything she knows to attend residential school. She spends her last days at home treasuring and appreciating the beauty of her world. Shi-shi-etko just has four days until she must leave her family and everything she knows to attend residential school. She spends her last days at home treasuring and appreciating the beauty of her world. Show less

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A Stranger at Home

A Stranger at Home

A True Story

by Jordan-Fenton, Christy

Book - 2011

Ten-year-old Margaret Pokiak, a young Inuit girl, must relearn her language and her family's way of living after she returns home from residential school. Ten-year-old Margaret Pokiak, a young Inuit girl, must relearn her language and her family's way of living after she returns home from residential school. Show less

Ten-year-old Margaret Pokiak, a young Inuit girl, must relearn her language and her family's way of living after she returns home from residential school. Ten-year-old Margaret Pokiak, a young Inuit girl, must relearn her language and her family's way of living after she returns home from residential school. Show less

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Fatty Legs

Fatty Legs

A True Story

by Jordan, Christy

Book - 2010

Eight-year-old Margaret Pokiak has set her sights on learning to read, even though it means leaving her village in the high Arctic. Faced with unceasing p...Show more Eight-year-old Margaret Pokiak has set her sights on learning to read, even though it means leaving her village in the high Arctic. Faced with unceasing pressure, her father finally agrees to let her make the five-day journey to attend school, but he warns Margaret of the terrors of residential schools. Show less

Eight-year-old Margaret Pokiak has set her sights on learning to read, even though it means leaving her village in the high Arctic. Faced with unceasing p...Show more Eight-year-old Margaret Pokiak has set her sights on learning to read, even though it means leaving her village in the high Arctic. Faced with unceasing pressure, her father finally agrees to let her make the five-day journey to attend school, but he warns Margaret of the terrors of residential schools. Show less

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I Am Not A Number

I Am Not A Number

by Dupuis, Jenny Kay

Picture Book - 2016

When eight-year-old Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school she is confused, frightened and homesick. She tries to ...Show more When eight-year-old Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school she is confused, frightened and homesick. She tries to remember who she is and where she came from despite the efforts of the nuns to force her to do otherwise. A picture book based on the life of Jenny Kay Dupuis' own grandmother, I Am Not a Number brings a terrible part of Canada's history to light in a way that children can learn from and relate to. Show less

When eight-year-old Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school she is confused, frightened and homesick. She tries to ...Show more When eight-year-old Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school she is confused, frightened and homesick. She tries to remember who she is and where she came from despite the efforts of the nuns to force her to do otherwise. A picture book based on the life of Jenny Kay Dupuis' own grandmother, I Am Not a Number brings a terrible part of Canada's history to light in a way that children can learn from and relate to. Show less

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Spirit of the Grassroots People

Spirit of the Grassroots People

Seeking Justice for Indigenous Survivors of Canada's Colonial Education System

by Mason, Raymond

Book - 2020

Describes Raymond Mason's experiences in day and residential schools in Manitoba and his struggles to find meaning in life after trauma and abuse. Describes Raymond Mason's experiences in day and residential schools in Manitoba and his struggles to find meaning in life after trauma and abuse. Show less

Describes Raymond Mason's experiences in day and residential schools in Manitoba and his struggles to find meaning in life after trauma and abuse. Describes Raymond Mason's experiences in day and residential schools in Manitoba and his struggles to find meaning in life after trauma and abuse. Show less

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Truth & Reconciliation

Calls to Action

by National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Book - 2017

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has developed this book to monitor what actions are being taken across the country in response to the Calls to Action. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has developed this book to monitor what actions are being taken across the country in response to the Calls to Action. Show less

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has developed this book to monitor what actions are being taken across the country in response to the Calls to Action. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has developed this book to monitor what actions are being taken across the country in response to the Calls to Action. Show less

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Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Volume One, Summary : Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future

by Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Book - 2015

This is the summary of the final report of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its six-year investigation of the residential school system fo...Show more This is the summary of the final report of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its six-year investigation of the residential school system for Native youth and the legacy of these schools. This summary volume includes the history of residential schools, the legacy of that school system, and the full text of the Commission's 94 recommendations for action to address that legacy. Show less

This is the summary of the final report of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its six-year investigation of the residential school system fo...Show more This is the summary of the final report of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and its six-year investigation of the residential school system for Native youth and the legacy of these schools. This summary volume includes the history of residential schools, the legacy of that school system, and the full text of the Commission's 94 recommendations for action to address that legacy. Show less

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Five Little Indians

Five Little Indians

by Good, Michelle

Book - 2020

The 2021 Governor General's Award winner for Fiction. A powerful novel that explores not only the trauma of residential schools, but the hope, support and...Show more The 2021 Governor General's Award winner for Fiction. A powerful novel that explores not only the trauma of residential schools, but the hope, support and perseverance of five former residential school survivors. A captivating novel that will leave you hoping, believing and rooting for each of these survivors to the very end. Show less

The 2021 Governor General's Award winner for Fiction. A powerful novel that explores not only the trauma of residential schools, but the hope, support and...Show more The 2021 Governor General's Award winner for Fiction. A powerful novel that explores not only the trauma of residential schools, but the hope, support and perseverance of five former residential school survivors. A captivating novel that will leave you hoping, believing and rooting for each of these survivors to the very end. Show less

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