Content warning: This post contains upsetting information about residential schools.
Orange Shirt Day is held annually on September 30 to raise awareness on the lasting impact and legacy of the residential school system in Canada and to mark our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. This Orange Shirt Day, we grieve and hold space in our hearts for over 1300 children found in unmarked graves at residential school sites across Canada. It is important to remember that for Indigenous communities these findings were not new discoveries, but rather, affirmed the heavy truth that has long been known.
This September 30 also marks the first officially recognized National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. We take the opportunity to educate ourselves and honour the experiences of Survivors and their families, and reinforce our commitment to the work that remains. Here is our reading list for Orange Shirt Day, and beyond.
On/Me by Francine Cunningham (Caitlin Press & Dagger Editions)
A stunning debut poetry collection exploring what it means to be a white-passing, city-raised Indigenous woman, living with mental illness and coping with the loss of her mother. The writing is filled with both heartbreaking emotion and heartwarming humour, touching on residential schools, intergenerational trauma, systemic racism, and more.
Hockey with Dad by Willie Sellars, illustrated by Kevin Easthope (Caitlin Press & Dagger Editions)
A highly anticipated illustrated follow-up to the award-winning picture-book, Dipnetting with Dad. This charming children’s book showcases the long history of Indigenous hockey, the importance of family wisdom, and Secwépemc cultural values.
Me Tomorrow: Indigenous Views on the Future by Drew Hayden Taylor (Douglas & McIntyre)
A highly important collection of essays by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists, activists, educators and writers, youth and elders, who come together in their writing to envision Indigenous futures in Canada and around the world. Includes work by Darrel J. McLeod, Autumn Peltier, Lee Maracle, and many more.
Standoff by Bruce McIvor (Nightwood Editions)
From the Wet’suwet’en opposition to a pipeline in northern British Columbia, to the Mi’kmaw exercising their fishing rights in Nova Scotia, Métis lawyer Bruce McIvor has been there through it all. McIvor, one Canada’s foremost experts in Aboriginal Law, has been actively involved in advising First Nation clients, fielding industry and non-Indigenous opposition to true reconciliation, and explaining to government officials why their policies aren’t working. This book explores why reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is failing and what needs to be done to fix it.
Saltus by Tara Gereaux (Nightwood Editions)
A stunning novel set in small-town Saskatchewan that looks at the concept of Métis identity, female identity and motherhood, aging and regret, acceptance, and so much more. The story is based on the real tragedies that Gereaux witnesses in her hometown of Fort Qu’Appelle.
This book documents the making of the Witness Blanket, a living work of art conceived and created by Indigenous artist Carey Newman, which included hundreds of items collected from residential schools across Canada to tell the story of the schools.
You Hold Me Up / Gimanaadenim by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Danielle Daniel (Orca Book Publishers)
A beautiful dual-language picture book written in English and Anishinaabemowin, accompanied with stunning illustrations from Danielle Daniel. The story encourages children to show love and support for each other, and introduces them to discussions around reconciliation and compassion.
Stories from the Magic Canoe of Wa’xaid by Cecil Paul (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
Xenaksiala elder and orator Cecil Paul (Wa’xaid), who passed away in 2020, shares stories with award-winning writer Briony Penn about his tireless environmental activism and defence of the Kitlope, his personal stories of loss from residential schools, the impact of industrialization, and cultural loss.
Following the Good River: The Life and Times of Wa’xaid by Briony Penn (RMB | Rocky Mountain Books)
A comprehensive and moving biography of Wa’xaid Cecil Paul, who, at the age of 10 was taken to a residential school in Port Alberni. When he finally returned to the Kitlope, he was welcomed by the positive influence of his people’s knowledge and ways, and their healing impact. He is a tireless activist for the Kitlope — the largest intact temperate rainforest watershed in the world — and for the conservation of his Traditional Territory.
A fascinating memoir by Sti’tum’atul’wut Ruby Peter, who, over seven decades, made it her life’s work to share and protect her traditional language, Hul’q’umi’num’. She mentored hundreds of pupils and contributed to dictionaries and grammars, leaving behind a rich legacy of language.
From Bear Rock Mountain by Antoine Bear Rock Mountain (TouchWood Editions)
A captivating poetic memoir by Dene artist and social activist Antoine Mountain shares his journey of healing after residential school and the loss of his language and culture, and speaks to the power of art to help reclaim identity.
In This Together by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail (TouchWood Editions)
A striking collection of essays from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors on healing and the harsh reality of colonization in Canada. This is a powerful call to action, reminding Canadians to make reconciliation and decolonization a priority, and of our shared responsibility to create change.