The Skeena
When hundreds of unmarked graves outside former residential schools were discovered earlier this year, many organizations in the Skeena urged non-Indigenous people to take the time to educate themselves about the dark chapter in Canadian history.
The Smithers Library is now helping make that easier.
“We’re giving away 100 free books for all ages to help you and your family learn more about the history and ongoing impacts of Canada’s residential school system,” it says on Twitter.
The event is taking place on September 30, which is Canada’s first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
“The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities,” the federal government explains. “Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.”
The books the library is giving away include Stolen Words, Five Little Indians and The Education of Augie Merasty: A Residential School Memoir.
“Check out this great initiative,” Tweeted recently re-elected Skeena MP Taylor Bachrach.
