The documentary that is based on the first book, There's Something in the Water, is excellent. It's directed and narrated by Eliot Page and I found it very moving. I have family living in Nova Scotia so it really struck a chord with me. It's available on Netflix. Here's the trailer. https://youtu.be/nKhIYFDnCoY?si=293NdbB8xIXhPEGs
Jessica, I fully agree about the strong relationship between Climate Justice and Truth and Reconciliation between Indigenous and Settler Canadians. AND I fully recommend the book 'Healing Haunted Histories' by Elaine Enns and Ched Myers. This book was a resource in the "Placing Ourselves in Colonialism" United in Learning Course in which I participated put on by our national church this year via Churchx. It is startling to consider that my ancestors arrived Oxford County from the Highlands in Scotland in 1829 about the same time the Mohawk Residential Institute school for Indigenous children began in Brantford. While my people thrived (although experiencing pain, trauma, and death at times); some of the Indigenous children died, all of them were separated from their families.
Thank you for adding to the chorus recommending this book. Hearing your story, I can't help but think that making those kinds of personal connections between our own (or our ancestors') journeying stories to what happened here will help break through the resistance settlers often feel to really letting the pain of what happened 'in'.
I grew up with Elaine Ens in Saskatoon, and my family shares a similar story to hers. This fall, a few members of my extended family have agreed to read the book and discuss it together over several weeks. I am looking forward to this opportunity to learn and unlearn our family's history.
That is wonderful to hear! What a way to bring a family together in a safe way. You will be writing a new story for the future. Please keep me posted on how it goes.
The documentary that is based on the first book, There's Something in the Water, is excellent. It's directed and narrated by Eliot Page and I found it very moving. I have family living in Nova Scotia so it really struck a chord with me. It's available on Netflix. Here's the trailer. https://youtu.be/nKhIYFDnCoY?si=293NdbB8xIXhPEGs
After I posted I found out that Ecology Ottawa is showing a free screening of it on Thursday. I’m taking my 13 year old to see it with me!
Jessica, I fully agree about the strong relationship between Climate Justice and Truth and Reconciliation between Indigenous and Settler Canadians. AND I fully recommend the book 'Healing Haunted Histories' by Elaine Enns and Ched Myers. This book was a resource in the "Placing Ourselves in Colonialism" United in Learning Course in which I participated put on by our national church this year via Churchx. It is startling to consider that my ancestors arrived Oxford County from the Highlands in Scotland in 1829 about the same time the Mohawk Residential Institute school for Indigenous children began in Brantford. While my people thrived (although experiencing pain, trauma, and death at times); some of the Indigenous children died, all of them were separated from their families.
Thank you for adding to the chorus recommending this book. Hearing your story, I can't help but think that making those kinds of personal connections between our own (or our ancestors') journeying stories to what happened here will help break through the resistance settlers often feel to really letting the pain of what happened 'in'.
I grew up with Elaine Ens in Saskatoon, and my family shares a similar story to hers. This fall, a few members of my extended family have agreed to read the book and discuss it together over several weeks. I am looking forward to this opportunity to learn and unlearn our family's history.
That is wonderful to hear! What a way to bring a family together in a safe way. You will be writing a new story for the future. Please keep me posted on how it goes.