Huron County Library Staff have compiled a list of 100 books to read in honor of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30. These stories highlight and explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and stories of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The full list can be found here and the following are some of the most recent titles added to the Library’s collection.
Memoir – Our Voice of Fire: A Memoir of a Warrior Rising by Brandi Morin
A wildfire of a debut memoir by internationally recognized French/Cree/Iroquois journalist Brandi Morin. Known for her clear-eyed and empathetic reporting on Indigenous oppression in North America. She is also a survivor of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis and uses her experience to tell the stories of those who did not survive the rampant violence. This book chronicles Morin’s journey to overcome enormous adversity and find her purpose, and her power, through journalism.
Non-fiction – Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian reserve, a white town, and the road to reconciliation by Douglas Sanderson and Andrew Stobo Sniderman
A heart-rending true story about racism and reconciliation that explores the history of two families, one white and one Indigenous, across multiple generations and weaves their lives into the larger story of Canada, ultimately offering hope for the future.
Poetry – Scars and Stars by Jesse Thistle
A beautiful and moving new collection of poems and stories from the author of the #1 bestselling memoir, From the Ashes.
Fiction – The Theory of Crows by David A. Robertson
A beautifully moving and heartfelt story about an estranged father-daughter relationship, the importance of being there for those you love and the healing power of the land.
Young Adult Fiction – The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson
A wonderful debut YA novel featuring Lou, a demi/asexual Métis girl living on the Canadian prairies. Ferguson masterfully balances the light with the dark as Lou struggles with generational trauma, family secrets and her sexuality over a summer working with her friends at the family creamery. CW: violence against Indigenous women, rape, racism
Content warning: Violence against Indigenous women, rape, racism
Picture Fiction – Finding My Dance by Ria Thundercloud; illustrated by Kalila J. Fuller
In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage.