Hello, welcome to the blog. Today, in Canada, is National Truth and Reconciliation Day. It's the first of it's kind, the first time we as a nation are remembering and honoring lost children and survivors of residential schools. If you wish to learn more about this day or the residential school system, you can do so here:

Hello, welcome to the blog. Today, in Canada, is National Truth and Reconciliation Day. It's the first of it's kind, the first time we as a nation are remembering and honoring lost children and survivors of residential schools. It's sad that it's taken us so long to acknowledge the pain felt by so many communities and I'm glad we're finally shedding light on it but there is still so much work to be done. If you wish to learn more about this day or the residential school system, you can do so here: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html, and here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/first-national-truth-reconciliation-day-1.6188540. On this day, we wear orange to honor their lives.

I thought I'd share with y'all some books by indigenous authors that are currently on my TBR. First, however, I would like to mention three books on my TBR that highlight residential schools and their impact on Canadian lives. I know, this is a lot more than the five books I had promised but just go with it.

The first book I would like to mention is Five Little Indians by Michelle Good. This follows five young adults right after they are released from the residential school system.

The second book is Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese. This is about a man struggling from alcoholism due to the abuse and terror he faced in residential schools.

And the final book I would recommend is Call Me Indian by Fred Sasakamoose. This is a non-fiction story about the first indigenous nhl hockey player. It follows him through residential schools, the nhl, his journey after leaving the league.

Now let's get into the five books on my TBR that highlight indigenous authors, cultures, and the problems plaguing Canada and the indigenous community.

Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline ~ This is on my immediate TBR and I can't wait to get to this this month. It's described as a messed up adult Little Red Riding Hood Story and it takes place in a Métis community. This is a perfect read for October because it is a thriller and I think it could be a really impactful, atmospheric read. I can't wait to read it. I am going to read this via audiobook.

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones ~ Another thriller, this follows four American Indian hunters who are haunted by a vengeful spirit who wants the men to pay for what they've done. I think it sounds very scary and I can't wait to read it soon.

Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson ~ Noopiming is unlike anything I've ever heard of. I'm not going to lie, the synopsis confuses me and the reviews do nothing to help ease that confusion. Basically, this book is weird and it laces traditional and modern indigenous culture throughout it and I think it could make for a very interesting and impactful read. The reviews do say you need an open mind to read this, especially if you are Caucasian like me. I am interested to see my reaction to this when I finally get to it.

Indians on Vacation by Thomas King ~ This has been on my TBR for a while. This is about a couple who decide to follow a lost uncles past directions and search across the globe for their ancestors. I just know I did a shit job explaining that so pardon me. I really hope to read this soon because apparently, it mentions the town I live in which is so cool! I've never seen my town in a novel before so seeing it on page will be interesting for me.

Surviving the City by Tasha Spillett & Natasha Donovan ~ I am not a graphic novel reader however, the subject of this one makes me want to pick it up. This is a young adult novel that focuses on missing and murdered indigenous girls and women which if you don't know is a huge problem in Canada. We absolutely need to put more time, energy, and money into solving this problem because so many women and girls go missing every year. If you want to know more, this link is helpful on the topic: https://mmiwg-ffada.ca/.

Thank you for reading! I hope you gained something from this today and I hope you read one of the books mentioned above. Some more resources on residential schools here: https://education.afn.ca/afntoolkit/learning-module/residential-schools/#:~:text=Residential%20schools%20were%20boarding%20schools,by%20several%20Christian%20religious%20institutions.&text=Often%2C%20the%20residential%20schools%20were,from%20the%20students'%20home%20communities and here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-residential-schools-kamloops-faq-1.6051632

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line 24hrs ~ 1-866-925-4419.

Learn more about Orange Shirt Day: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/

Learn more at the Indian Residential School Survivors Society: https://www.irsss.ca/

Donate to support indigenous projects and recovery here: https://www.onedayspay.ca/, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/explore/charities/category/indigenous-peoples/, https://www.nwac.ca/donate/

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