Curated by VSB’s Indigenous Education department to support learning, reflection and Reconciliation. 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, honours survivors of residential schools, their families, communities and commemorates the children who never returned home. It’s a time for reflection and learning about Reconciliation. The day also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, a movement that raises awareness of the lasting impacts of residential schools. 

As a community, it is important to learn these truths and take meaningful action. 

To support students, families, educators and staff in their learning journey, VSB’s Indigenous Education department curated a reading list for students, families and staff. 

Each book offers valuable perspectives to foster understanding, empathy and connection as we learn together. Join VSB in honouring Indigenous voices and stories on our shared path toward Reconciliation. 

Books for all ages

 In 2023, all elementary and secondary schools across VSB received a selection of Indigenous-authored books. The books were curated by VSB staff with help from two local Indigenous-owned bookstores, Massy Books and Iron Dog Books. 

Approximately 300 titles comprising a total of 16,385 books were distributed. 

The following books are available in many VSB school libraries. 

The Secret Pocket 
Written by Peggy Janicki
Illustrated by Carrielynn Victor 

Peggy Janicki shares the story of her mother, Mary, who was taken from her family and sent to a residential school. Her expressions of pain are coupled with the agency she developed by supporting her friends, that helped her cope. Using the knowledge taught to her by her matriarchs, Mary secretly sewed pockets into the dresses of her friends' uniforms so they could hide bits of food for those nights when hunger became too much to bear. Together, Mary and her friends stitched hope for themselves and their futures. 

Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults 
Written by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Adapted by Monique Gray Smith
Illustrations by Nicole Neidhardt 

Adapted from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s acclaimed work, Monique Gray Smith invites young readers to explore the deep connections between Indigenous knowledge, ecology and storytelling. Through accessible language and vivid illustrations, it encourages reflection about reciprocity, gratitude and our relationship with the natural world, making it a powerful resource for environmental learning and cultural understanding. 

The Water Walker 
Written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson 

Water is sacred, water is life. This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Nokomis Josephine Mandamin, an Ojibwe grandmother whose inspiring walks raised awareness about the importance of protecting water – “Nibi.” To defend the water and keep it safe for future generations, Jospehine walks around the Great Lakes in hopes of inspiring others to protect Nibi, too. This book can be paired with The Water Walker video, that highlights the work of Autumn Peltier. 

The Land Knows Me: A Nature Walk Exploring Indigenous Wisdom 
By Styawat-Leigh Joseph 

This collection of resources by Styawat-Leigh Joseph shares the understanding of creating healthy pathways and relationships with the land. Her work revolves around land-based learning. These resources offer accounts of our non-human relatives and the restoration of community-focused practices to gain understanding and knowledge from local environments. 

Extend the learning by pairing with:
Held by the Land Cards + Guidebook
Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness 

Additional books for educators, staff and student families

While the books above can be read by all, the following books are recommended to support educators, staff and student families in their learning journey. 

Who We Are: Four Questions for a Life and a Nation 
By the Honourable Murray Sinclair 

Sinclair centres Indigenous ways of knowing as he explores the central question: Who are we? As a collective, how do we move forward in the journey of Reconciliation? He was a leader and storyteller who shares the relationships that have shaped his life as an Anishinaabe man, father and grandfather, judge, senator and activist. This book carries his teachings forward even after his passing. 

Challenge to Civilization: Indigenous Wisdom and the Future 
By Blair Stonechild 

Blair Stonechild examines the importance of centring Indigenous wisdom for the survival of humanity and the natural world. By undervaluing Indigenous wisdom, humans have developed a fear of nature, creating a potentially irreparable rift that can only be bridged by recognizing how disconnected humans have become from their place in the natural world. Stonechild warns our survival on this planet, and the balance of nature, cannot be restored unless humans redefine knowledge and what it means to be “civilized.”