Truth and Reconciliation: Remembering the Children

With guidance from the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the library has curated a subcollection of books and eBooks Remembering the Children to acknowledge and honour Truth and Reconciliation Week. The titles in this collection build on the existing Exploring Indigenous Narratives and Worldviews Collection and share the stories of residential school survivors in Canada while also celebrating Indigenous activism working towards a better future.

The memoirs, biographies, films, research, and poetry in this collection aim to support the continued learning of the U of G community by exploring the truth of the past and demonstrating paths toward reconciliation in the areas of education, the child welfare system, land-back protest, healing, and storytelling.

Some featured titles include:

• Picking Up the Pieces: Residential School Memories and the Making of the Witness Blanket, by Carey Newman and Kirstie Hudson – Through telling the story of the creation of the Witness Blanket, a living work of art by Kwakwak’awakw artist Carey Newman, this book calls on readers to bear witness to the residential school experience.
• From Bear Rock Mountain: The Life and Times of a Dene Residential School Survivor, by Antoine Bear Rock Mountain – In this memoir, the Dene artist and social activist paints an unforgettable picture of his journey from residential school to art school. 

You can also explore titles from our streaming media collection, which provide access to films and documentaries depicting a wide range of Indigenous stories and perspectives. Check out the Indigenous Studies collection from Kanopy or Indigenous Studies content on CBC’s Curio to learn more about Indigenous histories, the impacts of settler-colonialism on First Peoples, and the resurgence in Indigenous activism for land rights, language reclamation, political representation, and much more.

Please note that these materials deal with sensitive and challenging topics that can be distressful for many of us. Should you require mental health support, connect with one of the following: 

• Indigenous Student Advising
• Student Counselling Services: Ext. 53244
• Good 2 Talk: Call 1-866-925-5454, text "UofG" to 686868, or email info@good2talk.ca.
• GuardMe for international and English Language Program students
• Employee Assistance Program: 1-800-265-8310
• Hope for Wellness Helpline: Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online. Immediate emotional support is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada. 

To learn more about Indigenous Initiatives at U of G and supports for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students:  

• Visit the U of G Indigenous Initiatives page  
• Visit the Indigenous Student Centre page
• Follow Indigenous Initiatives on Instagram @UOfGIndigenous