National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Book Recommendations | TBPL Research Blog

Truth and reconciliation come with a lot of responsibility, not only for the descendants of those who colonized and settled on Turtle Island, but also for those who come here today to call this land their new home. We have a responsibility to learn about the history of this land and its people, as we were never truly taught it in its entirety. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation asks us to take a hard look at the history of Canada. It requires us to be reflective, open, and honest.

But where can we start? One way I've found to learn about people's different experiences and perspectives is through reading memoirs and autobiographies. They provide a means to connect to an individual and their story, as if talking with a friend about life over a cup of tea. You come not only to care about what has happened to this new person in your life, but also to better understand how their life unfolded.

Over the course of the year, I've read, listened to, or started the following memoirs. I think they are a great starting point for those who wish to gain more knowledge and perspective on what is missing from our history books.

For Joshua, written by Richard Wagamese, is a beautifully written work in which Richard tries to reconnect with his son Joshua. Having lost contact with Joshua due to an unhealthy coping mechanism he used to process the hardships and trauma he experienced throughout his life, Richard works toward being a better father through the writing of this book. He follows the tradition of Ojibway men introducing their children to the world. To do so, he walks the reader through his life as he reflects and finds connection to himself and to all the parts of his life that were torn away from him as a child.

For Joshua provides insight into the experience of Indigenous children who were separated from their families against their will. It shows how stripping individuals of their connection to family, community, culture, and identity can have devastating and lifelong effects, and how one action can affect the generations that follow, leaving people hurt and questioning their own identity.

The second book, an autobiography I listened to this year, was A Two-Spirit Journey, written by Ma-Nee Chacaby with Mary Louisa Plummer and narrated by Marsha Knight. A Two-Spirit Journey explores the intersections of Ma-Nee's multifaceted life. She uses her voice to help others on their own journeys and to offer a new perspective.

Ma-Nee begins her story with a brief family history, focusing on the life of her kokum (grandmother) more than on the lives of others, in part because her kokum was the one who raised her and taught her many lessons. Ma-Nee moves through her life, describing her relationships with family members and with those in her community of Ombabika. She shares heart-wrenching experiences that she both witnessed and lived through herself. While Ma-Nee was not taken to a residential school, she felt the impacts of its dark legacy as she watched friends, family, and her community change while dealing with the aftermath.

Ma-Nee's writing is direct and does not pull any punches. A Two-Spirit Journey is not always an easy read, and some readers may find its topics difficult. It is a book that calls for breaks to reflect on and process what is being shared. It is a worthwhile read.

Note: As a non-Indigenous person, I also found it helpful to hear the proper pronunciation of Ojibwe words in the audiobook.

Another book I began reading this year is The Knowing by Tanya Talaga. The Knowing is not a traditional memoir. Tanya Talaga blends investigative writing with her personal account of trying to find a family member who disappeared after being sent to a hospital.

She writes about the unspoken history of Canada, bringing to light the impact of government systems that actively worked to disappear Indigenous peoples. She discusses the ongoing and lasting effects of these colonial and government systems on Indigenous peoples throughout Canada.

While the subject matter of The Knowing is dark and painful, Tanya Talaga also writes with hope. She documents the reclamation of Indigenous identity, reunions with loved ones who were lost, and the work of recovery and healing despite ongoing opposition.

Note: If you are not a big reader, The Knowing was made into a 4 part docuseries. Available in English and Cree.

In truth there are so many great books to read by Indigenous authors. As someone who is looking to expand their knowledge you really can’t go wrong with picking any book in our Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC). If biographies are not your preferred genre of book, we also have books on these topics in our collection:

Ogitchide Pakanegaywin (Customs)
Anishinaabe Weshkat Dibaajimon (First Peoples History)
Kikinaamaadiiwigamikoon (Residential Schools)
Bimadiziwin (Social Conditions)
Kwe (Women)

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the topics available in the IKC. The collection covers a diverse range of subjects. Visit any Thunder Bay Public Library branch to explore our IKC collection.

Check out these FNMI staff-created lists highlighting TBPL’s Indigenous Knowledge Center collections.

Other titles in our collections that you may be interested in: