Reading for professional and personal development
These texts provide an in-depth context and perspective on Indigenous issues, history, the present, and potential futures. They are what I would consider required reading.
Adapted from Roxane Dunbar-Ortiz's work of the same name, this adaptation for young people lays out the history of Indigenous Peoples clearly, concisely, accurately, and powerfully. This book is filled with images, maps, infographics, and thoughtfully divided sections, and it is a must on any teacher's shelf.
Dunbar-Ortiz, R. (2019). An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States For Young People (Adapted by Mendoza, J. & Reese, D.). Beacon Press.
Focusing specifically on the Indian Act of Canada created in 1876, this book details the causes and effects of over 150 years of history and government oppression. It maps out the repercussions, cultural effects, and current-day problems, while optimistically focusing on reconciliation and a return to sovereignty.
Joseph, B. (2018). 21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act. Indigenous Relations Press.
Addressing untruths, myths, and misconceptions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, Jesse Wente uses the personal to explore the past and present in an unflinching way. A story about identity, overcoming colonial stereotypes, and a personal reckoning, no book better fuses the contemporary and the historical in such a thoughtful way.
Wente, J. (2021). Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance. Allen Lane.
Laying out the barriers, potential conflicts, and obstacles when working with Indigenous issues - from the long-term effects of treaties and the Indian Act to modern discourse and interaction. Both practical and pragmatic, optimistic and honest, this text can be a valuable guide.
Joseph, B. & Joseph, C.F. (2019). Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips & Suggestions To Make Reconciliation a Reality. Indigenous Relations Press.
