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10 must-reads on residential schools, reconciliation and the experience of Indigenous peoples

Even after the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, many Canadians are not fully aware of the experience of Indigenous people, truth and reconciliation and the legacy of residential schools. If you are looking to learn more, we’ve highlighted the following ten books, sorted according to reading level. You can reflect on these topics in different ways – come to the centre to browse the books in our reading corner, or view the PDF below.

High School and beyond:

  • Fontaine, P. (2016). A Knock on the Door: The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press.
  • Regan, P. (2011). Unsettling the Settler Within: Indian Residential Schools, Truth Telling, and Reconciliation in Canada. Vancouver: UBC Press.
  • Rogers, S., DeGagné, M., Lowry, G., & Fryer, S. (2014). Reconciliation & the Way Forward. Ottawa, Ontario: Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
  • Woolford, A. J. (2015). This Benevolent Experiment: Indigenous Boarding Schools, Genocide, and Redress in Canada and the United State Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.

Middle years

  • Smith, M. G. (2017). Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation. Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers.
  • Jordan-Fenton, C., & Pokiak-Fenton, M. (2010). Fatty Legs. Toronto, Ontario: Annick Press.

Early years: 

  • Blackstock, C., Strong, A., King, J., & Howden, S. (2018). Spirit Bear: Fishing for Knowledge, Catching Dreams. Ottawa, Ontario: First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada.
  • Campbell, N. I., & Flett, J. (2018). A Day with Yayah. Northampton, MA: Crocodile Books
  • Loyie, L., Holmlund, H. D., & Brissenden, C. (2005). As Long as the Rivers Flow. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books.
  • Robertson, D. and Flett, J. (2017) When we were young. Portage and Main Press.
  • Vermette, K., Henderson, S. B., & Yaciuk, D. (2017). Pemmican Wars: A Girl Called Echo. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Highwater Press.
  • Webstad, P. (2018) The Orange Shirt Story. Medicine Wheel Education.

View the complete list of books on Indigenous people, truth and reconciliation and residential schools (PDF).

Or visit our Resources section for more recommendations.

Need support? The Indian Residential School Survivor Support Society
has established a 24-hour Crisis Line for former students and their families. Call: 1-866-925-4419.
Find additional wellness resources and supports.

Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
1985 Learners' Walk
Vancouver, BC CA V6T 1Z1
Tel 604 822 6941
Website irshdc.ubc.ca
Email irshdc.info@ubc.ca
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