With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation just around the corner, we’ve gathered 10 books by Indigenous authors here in Mi’kma’ki/Nova Scotia, and across Turtle Island, to help inspire or deepen your learning journey about colonization and its ongoing impacts.

Some of the topics in this post and in these books can be painful to read about, particularly for residential school survivors, their relatives and others who have lived through trauma. Take care. If you or a loved one needs help, the 24-hour Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is 1-800-721-0066.

Local (Mi’kma’ki)

1. Muinji’j Asks Why: The Story of the Mi’kmaq and the Shubenacadie Residential School, told by Muinji’j (Breighlynn MacEachern) and Shanika MacEachern, art by Zeta Paul (Nimbus)

A picture book from the perspective of a young Mi’kmaw student whose peers are learning about residential schools. Nana and Papa gently share truths with Muinji’j about the harm done when decisions are made for a people and not with them.

2. When the Owl Calls Your Name, words and art by Alan Syliboy (Nimbus)

Alan’s petroglyph-inspired artwork guides readers of all ages through the “crossing over” journey. Life-affirming wisdom is woven through his lyrical descriptions of traditional Mi’kmaw death, burial and grief traditions: “So you must live your life in such a way / That you will be ready for the owl when he calls your name.”

3. Jujijk: Mi’kmaw Insects by the Tripartite Forum Culture & Heritage Education Committee, art by Gerald Gloade(Nimbus) & The Language of This Land, Mi’kma’ki, by Trudy Sable and Bernie Francis (Nimbus)

Jujijk is a short, vibrantly illustrated introduction to the verb-based Mi’kmaw language (klmuej [gul-um-ou-ej] – mosquito – the one that sings to you before she bites you). In The Language of This Land, Mi’kma’ki, Trudy Sable and Bernie Francis explore the Mi’kmaw world view through language, culture and place. Bernie also co-developed the Smith/Francis orthography writing system for the Mi’kmaw language.

4. I Place You Into the Fire, by Rebecca Thomas (Nimbus)

A collection from the former poet laureate of Kjipuktuk/Halifax and a second-generation residential school survivor. Rebecca generously (kesalul – I love you) lays out her truth, exploring identity, kinship, loss, shame, love and forgiveness. She righteously assigns blame (kesa’lul – I hurt you) and fearlessly pushes a country to dismantle the myths it tells itself (ke’sa’lul – I place you into the fire) before it can walk the path of reconciliation.

Beyond Mi’kma’ki

5. Nutshimit: In the Woods, by Melissa Mollen Dupuis, art by Elisa Gravel, English text by Gaëlle Mollen (North Winds Press)

Filled with delightful cartoon illustrations, Nutshimit offers young readers Creation stories; Innu language learning; teachings about history, science, and nature; and activities like making a birchbark cone for berry picking. Author Melissa Mollen Dupuis is the co-founder of the Quebec chapter of Idle No More.

6. A Girl Called Echo (omnibus edition), by Katherena Vermette, illustrated by Scott B. Henderson, colour by Donovan Yaciuk (Highwater Press)

This graphic novel collection sees high schooler Echo Desjardins jump back and forth from modern day to key moments in Métis history. She becomes a witness to land theft, the disappearance of the bison, mass starvation, resistance and resilience. A riveting classroom resource that includes maps and timelines alongside powerful storytelling.

7. Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, a White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation, by Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii) and Andrew Stobo Sniderman (HarperCollins)

A compelling narrative backed with extensive research about unequal outcomes and inequitable resources experienced by Indigenous students in today’s Canada. A tale of cautious hope, the book focuses on lessons learned from the 150-year history of schools in two communities on opposite sides of the Birdtail River in Treaty 4 territory.

8. Indigenous Writes: A Guide to First Nations, Métis & Inuit Issues in Canada, by Chelsea Vowel (Highwater Press)

Chelsea Vowel, who is Métis from manitow-sâkahikan in Treaty 6 territory, wrote this book to inspire dialogue. She also wrote it because she was tired of having to constantly repeat herself: “At some point, it’s up to other folks to put in a little effort to learn more about us on their own.” In accessible language and with all the receipts, Chelsea presents facts and destroys myths with a mix of patience, humour and well-earned exasperation.

9. The Knowing by Tanya Talaga (HarperCollins)

In The Knowing, award-winning Anishinaabe journalist Tanya Talaga shares devastating truths from her own family to make sure the violent disappearances of Indigenous peoples through institutions like residential schools cannot remain a secret in this country.

10. Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Volume One: Summary – Honouring the Truth, Reconciling the Future (Lorimer)

It has been a decade since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its final report – an ideal time to read and reflect on the report’s chapter, “The challenge of reconciliation” and the 94 Calls to Action that follow.

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