Indigenous Reads and Resources

The Selwyn Public Library has materials for all ages to learn more about Indigenous history, including the Indian Residential School experience, and the ongoing Truth & Reconciliation process. Below you will find suggested resources, both from the library and elsewhere. This list is not complete and we welcome feedback on additional materials on the topic.

Selwyn Public Library Land Acknowledgement

November 1st to 7th - Treaties Recognition Week

Treaties Recognition Week honours the importance of treaties and helps Ontario students and residents understand the significance of treaty rights, treaty relationships and their relevance today.

Treaties Recognition Week Website

Interactive map of Ontario treaties and reserves

Indigenous voices on treaties video series

September 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is a place of learning and dialogue where the truths of the residential school experience will be honoured and kept safe for future generations. 

The NCTR was created as part of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). The TRC was charged to listen to Survivors, their families, communities and others affected by the residential school system and educate Canadians about their experiences. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now forms the sacred heart of the NCTR.

Locate a print copy of the summary of the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Content on Residential Schools

The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for more than 19 years. 

The Assembly of First Nations has developed the It’s Our Time First Nations Tool Kit as the basis of a comprehensive strategy to reach out to First Nations students, teachers, schools, communities and the Canadian public at large. 

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Residential School History.

The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419

Library Collection

Indigenous Collection: Resources & Reading Material 

Online Information

Indigenous Canada is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada presented by the University of Alberta.

Harvesting, protection and conservation information on the Williams Treaties First Nations, whose traditional territories are located primarily in the Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario watersheds.

Native Land maps and information on Indigenous territories, languages and treaty regions.

Library materials relating to the Residential School experience in Canada, including first person accounts from survivors, books for children, and the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Also checkout CBC Book's two reading lists 48 books by Indigenous writers to understand residential schools and 18 books to read on Orange Shirt Day (or any day)

#IndigenousReads Campaign

Halfbreed by Maria Campbell

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline

Moon of the Crusted Snow: A Novel by Waubgeshig Rice

Sweetest Kulu by Celina Kalluk

Tea and Bannock Stories: First Nations Community of Poetic Voices by Multiple authors

Written as I Remember It - Teachings (Ɂəms tɑɁɑw) from the Life of a Sliammon Elder by Elsie Paul, with Davis McKenzie, Paige Raibmon and Harmony Johnson - Request a copy through Inter-library loan