Why books serve a vital role in Truth and Reconciliation

When Phyllis Webstad was six years old, her brand new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school. This moment would go on to inspire Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th. In this episode, Phyllis sits down with Métis scholar Kristy McLeod to talk about their new collaboration, Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves. Together, they explore how sharing stories can lead to collective healing and personal transformation. Plus, CBC Books’ Ailey Yamamoto recommends a novel about one character’s dream to become the first Cherokee astronaut.

Books discussed on this week's show include:

To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage

Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation and Ourselves by Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeod 

They Called Me Number One by Bev Sellars

Namwayut by Chief Robert Joseph