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Residential Schools: Books for Teens

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CalgaryLibrary_Indigenous

Calgary Public Library

Staff-created list

This collection includes non-fiction materials to help teens understand the history and traumatic impact of Residential Schools, as well as fiction, memoir, and graphic novels that capture the strength and versatility of the protagonists as they learn what it means to challenge the power of colonial ideologies and racism.

By:

CalgaryLibrary_Indigenous

Calgary Public Library

16 items

16 items

Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day

September 30th

Book - 2020

Phyllis Webstad’s story inspired Orange Shirt Day, and this book shares that story for older child and teen readers. It is a powerful resource for anyone ...Show more Phyllis Webstad’s story inspired Orange Shirt Day, and this book shares that story for older child and teen readers. It is a powerful resource for anyone looking for more information about how to discuss the trauma that resulted from Residential Schools. The book is published by the Orange Shirt Society, a nonprofit based in Williams Lake, BC, dedicated to raising awareness of Orange Shirt Day. Show less

Phyllis Webstad’s story inspired Orange Shirt Day, and this book shares that story for older child and teen readers. It is a powerful resource for anyone ...Show more Phyllis Webstad’s story inspired Orange Shirt Day, and this book shares that story for older child and teen readers. It is a powerful resource for anyone looking for more information about how to discuss the trauma that resulted from Residential Schools. The book is published by the Orange Shirt Society, a nonprofit based in Williams Lake, BC, dedicated to raising awareness of Orange Shirt Day. Show less

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Aggie and Mudgy

Aggie and Mudgy

The Journey of Two Kaska Dena Children

by Proverbs, Wendy

Book - 2021

Based on the true story of the biological mother and aunt of author Wendy Proverb (Kaska Dene), this middle-grade novel shares the terrifying journey of two Kaska Dena sisters as they are taken from their home to attend Residential School. Based on the true story of the biological mother and aunt of author Wendy Proverb (Kaska Dene), this middle-grade novel shares the terrifying journey of two Kaska Dena sisters as they are taken from their home to attend Residential School. Show less

Based on the true story of the biological mother and aunt of author Wendy Proverb (Kaska Dene), this middle-grade novel shares the terrifying journey of two Kaska Dena sisters as they are taken from their home to attend Residential School. Based on the true story of the biological mother and aunt of author Wendy Proverb (Kaska Dene), this middle-grade novel shares the terrifying journey of two Kaska Dena sisters as they are taken from their home to attend Residential School. Show less

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Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action

http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Web Resource

For those searching for ways to address the wrongs in both Canada's past and present, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action ...Show more For those searching for ways to address the wrongs in both Canada's past and present, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action is a good place to start. These 94 Calls to Action were released back in 2015 and there is still much progress to be made. Show less

Picking up the Pieces

Picking up the Pieces

Residential School Memories and the Making of the Witness Blanket

by Newman, Carey

Book - 2019

As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call for projects to help tell the story of Residential Schools, author and carver Carey Newman...Show more As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call for projects to help tell the story of Residential Schools, author and carver Carey Newman (Hayalthkin'geme) made a Witness Blanket -- a massive "blanket" comprised of one artifact from each of the Residential Schools. This book, filled with photos and Survivor stories, tells the story of the creation of this piece of art Show less

As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call for projects to help tell the story of Residential Schools, author and carver Carey Newman...Show more As a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's call for projects to help tell the story of Residential Schools, author and carver Carey Newman (Hayalthkin'geme) made a Witness Blanket -- a massive "blanket" comprised of one artifact from each of the Residential Schools. This book, filled with photos and Survivor stories, tells the story of the creation of this piece of art Show less

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The Witness Blanket

The Witness Blanket

Truth, Art and Reconciliation

by Newman, Carey

Book - 2022

Newman (Hayalthkin'geme) has written a second book inspired by The Witness Blanket, his art piece comprised of artifacts from Residential Schools. This 20...Show more Newman (Hayalthkin'geme) has written a second book inspired by The Witness Blanket, his art piece comprised of artifacts from Residential Schools. This 2022 book is a collection of truths about what happened at the Residential Schools, but also a beacon of hope and another step toward reconciliation. Show less

Newman (Hayalthkin'geme) has written a second book inspired by The Witness Blanket, his art piece comprised of artifacts from Residential Schools. This 20...Show more Newman (Hayalthkin'geme) has written a second book inspired by The Witness Blanket, his art piece comprised of artifacts from Residential Schools. This 2022 book is a collection of truths about what happened at the Residential Schools, but also a beacon of hope and another step toward reconciliation. Show less

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A Stranger at Home

A Stranger at Home

A True Story

by Jordan-Fenton, Christy

Book - 2011

A Stranger at Home is the second instalment in Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton’s (Inuvialuit) poignant memoirs, written with her daughter-in-law, Christy J...Show more A Stranger at Home is the second instalment in Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton’s (Inuvialuit) poignant memoirs, written with her daughter-in-law, Christy Jordan-Fenton. The first, Fatty Legs, focused on Margaret's time at a Residential School. In the sequel she returns to her family, but the homecoming is not as she hoped. The experience has changed her so much that her mother at first insists she is “not my girl.” A sometimes painful story of the damage done by Residential Schools to whole families, this story for teens and adult readers is about Margaret becoming Olemaun once again, reclaiming her place in the family and her culture. Show less

A Stranger at Home is the second instalment in Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton’s (Inuvialuit) poignant memoirs, written with her daughter-in-law, Christy J...Show more A Stranger at Home is the second instalment in Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton’s (Inuvialuit) poignant memoirs, written with her daughter-in-law, Christy Jordan-Fenton. The first, Fatty Legs, focused on Margaret's time at a Residential School. In the sequel she returns to her family, but the homecoming is not as she hoped. The experience has changed her so much that her mother at first insists she is “not my girl.” A sometimes painful story of the damage done by Residential Schools to whole families, this story for teens and adult readers is about Margaret becoming Olemaun once again, reclaiming her place in the family and her culture. Show less

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Speaking Our Truth

Speaking Our Truth

A Journey of Reconciliation

by Gray Smith, Monique

Book - 2017

Written for school-aged children but engaging for teens and adults, Gray Smith (Cree, Lakota and Scottish) explains the history of the treatment of Indige...Show more Written for school-aged children but engaging for teens and adults, Gray Smith (Cree, Lakota and Scottish) explains the history of the treatment of Indigenous people in Canada, and looks to reconciliation as a compelling, necessary, and hopeful journey for all Canadians. Filled with photos, this book is an excellent introduction and overview for all ages. Show less

Written for school-aged children but engaging for teens and adults, Gray Smith (Cree, Lakota and Scottish) explains the history of the treatment of Indige...Show more Written for school-aged children but engaging for teens and adults, Gray Smith (Cree, Lakota and Scottish) explains the history of the treatment of Indigenous people in Canada, and looks to reconciliation as a compelling, necessary, and hopeful journey for all Canadians. Filled with photos, this book is an excellent introduction and overview for all ages. Show less

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Residential Schools

Residential Schools

With the Words and Images of Survivors

by Loyie, Larry

Book - 2014

This anthology for teens and adults brings together many voices and perspectives from across Canada through anecdotes, archives, and imagery to demonstrat...Show more This anthology for teens and adults brings together many voices and perspectives from across Canada through anecdotes, archives, and imagery to demonstrate the damage the Residential School system inflicted on Indigenous communities. Readers get first-hand testimonies from Survivors who continue to heal, thrive, and strive for a better life in a Canada still in the grip of colonization. Show less

This anthology for teens and adults brings together many voices and perspectives from across Canada through anecdotes, archives, and imagery to demonstrat...Show more This anthology for teens and adults brings together many voices and perspectives from across Canada through anecdotes, archives, and imagery to demonstrate the damage the Residential School system inflicted on Indigenous communities. Readers get first-hand testimonies from Survivors who continue to heal, thrive, and strive for a better life in a Canada still in the grip of colonization. Show less

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Sugar Falls

Sugar Falls

A Residential School Story

by Robertson, David

Graphic Novel - 2011

Based on the true story of Betty Ross, a Cree Elder from Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba, Robertson (New Norway House First Nation) writes an unflinch...Show more Based on the true story of Betty Ross, a Cree Elder from Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba, Robertson (New Norway House First Nation) writes an unflinching account of one girl’s resilience and resistance to Residential School. Eight-year-old Betty is sexually abused by a Priest and sees another child drown trying to escape, but finds the strength to keep her spirit alive in her connection to her family and culture. Betty never surrenders, growing up to be a Cree teacher and language consultant. Show less

Based on the true story of Betty Ross, a Cree Elder from Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba, Robertson (New Norway House First Nation) writes an unflinch...Show more Based on the true story of Betty Ross, a Cree Elder from Cross Lake First Nation in Manitoba, Robertson (New Norway House First Nation) writes an unflinching account of one girl’s resilience and resistance to Residential School. Eight-year-old Betty is sexually abused by a Priest and sees another child drown trying to escape, but finds the strength to keep her spirit alive in her connection to her family and culture. Betty never surrenders, growing up to be a Cree teacher and language consultant. Show less

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UNeducation

UNeducation

A Residential School Graphic Novel, Volume 1

by EagleSpeaker, Jason

Graphic Novel - 2014

In this series, intended for older teens and adults, EagleSpeaker (Blackfoot and Duwamish) unflinchingly depicts the trauma of "uneducation" tha...Show more In this series, intended for older teens and adults, EagleSpeaker (Blackfoot and Duwamish) unflinchingly depicts the trauma of "uneducation" that Residential Schools inflicted upon Indigenous children to sever them from their history, family, and culture. Show less

In this series, intended for older teens and adults, EagleSpeaker (Blackfoot and Duwamish) unflinchingly depicts the trauma of "uneducation" tha...Show more In this series, intended for older teens and adults, EagleSpeaker (Blackfoot and Duwamish) unflinchingly depicts the trauma of "uneducation" that Residential Schools inflicted upon Indigenous children to sever them from their history, family, and culture. Show less

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Firekeeper's Daughter

Firekeeper's Daughter

by Boulley, Angeline

Book - 2021

This brilliant, award-winning, page-turner of a novel introduces 18-year-old Daunis, a powerful young Anishinaabe woman helping to protect her community ...Show more This brilliant, award-winning, page-turner of a novel introduces 18-year-old Daunis, a powerful young Anishinaabe woman helping to protect her community by going undercover and using her knowledge of chemistry and traditional medicine to crack a drug ring. Author Angeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a masterful storyteller who integrates Indigenous history, culture, resilience and survivorship into a contemporary character-driven crime thriller. Show less

This brilliant, award-winning, page-turner of a novel introduces 18-year-old Daunis, a powerful young Anishinaabe woman helping to protect her community ...Show more This brilliant, award-winning, page-turner of a novel introduces 18-year-old Daunis, a powerful young Anishinaabe woman helping to protect her community by going undercover and using her knowledge of chemistry and traditional medicine to crack a drug ring. Author Angeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, is a masterful storyteller who integrates Indigenous history, culture, resilience and survivorship into a contemporary character-driven crime thriller. Show less

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7 Generations

7 Generations

A Plains Cree Saga

by Robertson, David

Graphic Novel - 2012

Originally published as a best-selling, four-part graphic novel series for teens (Stone; Scars; Ends/Begins; and The Pact), Robertson (New Norway House Cr...Show more Originally published as a best-selling, four-part graphic novel series for teens (Stone; Scars; Ends/Begins; and The Pact), Robertson (New Norway House Cree Nation) compiles all four in this book, telling the unforgettable story of one Cree family over seven generations. When Edwin learns about his family’s past, and their survival of colonization, small pox, and Residential School, he can face his future. Show less

Originally published as a best-selling, four-part graphic novel series for teens (Stone; Scars; Ends/Begins; and The Pact), Robertson (New Norway House Cr...Show more Originally published as a best-selling, four-part graphic novel series for teens (Stone; Scars; Ends/Begins; and The Pact), Robertson (New Norway House Cree Nation) compiles all four in this book, telling the unforgettable story of one Cree family over seven generations. When Edwin learns about his family’s past, and their survival of colonization, small pox, and Residential School, he can face his future. Show less

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Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe

Original All-American : A Novel

by Bruchac, Joseph

Unknown - 2006

Joseph Bruchac (Nulhegan Abenaki) has written a compelling biography of Jim Thorpe, an athlete who was accomplished at football, baseball, and track and w...Show more Joseph Bruchac (Nulhegan Abenaki) has written a compelling biography of Jim Thorpe, an athlete who was accomplished at football, baseball, and track and won two gold medals in the 1912 Olympics. While Thorpe was lauded as a skilled athlete, his life was full of challenges, most of them originating from the painful time he spent at the Haskell and Carlisle Indian Schools. Show less

Joseph Bruchac (Nulhegan Abenaki) has written a compelling biography of Jim Thorpe, an athlete who was accomplished at football, baseball, and track and w...Show more Joseph Bruchac (Nulhegan Abenaki) has written a compelling biography of Jim Thorpe, an athlete who was accomplished at football, baseball, and track and won two gold medals in the 1912 Olympics. While Thorpe was lauded as a skilled athlete, his life was full of challenges, most of them originating from the painful time he spent at the Haskell and Carlisle Indian Schools. Show less

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Goodbye Buffalo Bay

Goodbye Buffalo Bay

[a True Story of Life in A Residential School--and of Moving On]

by Loyie, Oskiniko Larry

Book - 2008

This book is the sequel to As Long as the Rivers Flow, and is aimed at younger teen readers. This memoir of Larry Loyie’s (Cree) teen years shows the chal...Show more This book is the sequel to As Long as the Rivers Flow, and is aimed at younger teen readers. This memoir of Larry Loyie’s (Cree) teen years shows the challenges he faced reconnecting to his family and traditional ways when he returned home from Residential School. With the guidance of his grandfather, his is able to work against the damage done to him by the Residential School System and find a path to strength and freedom. Show less

This book is the sequel to As Long as the Rivers Flow, and is aimed at younger teen readers. This memoir of Larry Loyie’s (Cree) teen years shows the chal...Show more This book is the sequel to As Long as the Rivers Flow, and is aimed at younger teen readers. This memoir of Larry Loyie’s (Cree) teen years shows the challenges he faced reconnecting to his family and traditional ways when he returned home from Residential School. With the guidance of his grandfather, his is able to work against the damage done to him by the Residential School System and find a path to strength and freedom. Show less

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The Marrow Thieves

The Marrow Thieves

by Dimaline, Cherie

Book - 2017

In an apocalyptic future, Indigenous people are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest o...Show more In an apocalyptic future, Indigenous people are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest of the population has lost: the ability to dream. From the Georgian Bay Métis Nation in Ontario, Dimaline's popular and award-winning novel references Residential Schools in the creation of this dystopian future. Show less

In an apocalyptic future, Indigenous people are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest o...Show more In an apocalyptic future, Indigenous people are being hunted and harvested for their bone marrow, which carries the key to recovering something the rest of the population has lost: the ability to dream. From the Georgian Bay Métis Nation in Ontario, Dimaline's popular and award-winning novel references Residential Schools in the creation of this dystopian future. Show less

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Apple

Apple

Skin to the Core : A Memoir in Words and Pictures

by Gansworth, Eric L.

Book - 2020

Eric Gansworth (Eel clan, enrolled Onondaga, born and raised at the Tuscarora Nation) has written a memoir that reads like a scrapbook, filled with illust...Show more Eric Gansworth (Eel clan, enrolled Onondaga, born and raised at the Tuscarora Nation) has written a memoir that reads like a scrapbook, filled with illustrations and poems capturing moments from his life and his family's story. He reflects on how Indian Boarding Schools in the United States changed his family's lives and continue to impact their community. Show less

Eric Gansworth (Eel clan, enrolled Onondaga, born and raised at the Tuscarora Nation) has written a memoir that reads like a scrapbook, filled with illust...Show more Eric Gansworth (Eel clan, enrolled Onondaga, born and raised at the Tuscarora Nation) has written a memoir that reads like a scrapbook, filled with illustrations and poems capturing moments from his life and his family's story. He reflects on how Indian Boarding Schools in the United States changed his family's lives and continue to impact their community. Show less

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