The collection at Powell River Public Library contains a wide selection of titles by Indigenous authors, both fiction and non-fiction. In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the list below recognizes the shameful legacy of residential schools and aims to honour Indigenous survivors.
“Our intention is to provide resources that support the ongoing reconciliation process,” says assistant chief librarian Natalie Porter. “We acknowledge that the content of these books may be triggering for some, and encourage our community to be sensitive, thoughtful and respectful for those who need space at this time.”
Adult:
· Written as I Remember It: Teachings from the Life of a Sliammon Elder (2014) by Elsie Paul
· What Was Said to Me: The Life of Sti-tum-atul-wut, a Cowichan Woman (2021) by Ruby Peter
· Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance (2021) by Jesse Wente
· They Called Me Number One: Secrets and Survival at an Indian Residential School (2013) by Bev Sellars
· Five Little Indians (2020) by Michelle Good
Teen:
· This Place: 150 Years Retold (2019) edited by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm
· Orange Shirt Day: September 30th (2020) by Phyllis Webstad
· Residential Schools with the Words and Images of Survivors (2014) by Larry Loyie
Kids:
· Treaty Words: For As Long As The Rivers Flow (2021) by Aimée Craft
· Speaking Our Truth: A Journey of Reconciliation (2017) by Monique Gray Smith
· The Journey Forward: Novellas on Reconciliation (2018) by Julie Flett, Monique Gray Smith & Richard Van Camp
· When We Were Alone (2017) by David Robertson, illustrated by Julie Flett
A display in the teen room features an amazing dynamic display thanks to the jeh jeh media team which includes Koosen Pielle, Zoe Ludski and many others, according to teen services coordinator Mel Edgar.
“They created resources for Ayajuthem language learning including audio visual materials,” said Edgar, “as well as takeaway language labels, orthography bookmarks and booklets.”
Visit prpl.ca and browse the library, open seven days a week, to explore its Indigenous resources displays and resource guides for kids, teens and adults.
