Last week the Truth and Reconciliation Commission used the term genocide to describe the many injustices done to 150,000 or so aboriginal children and their families during the operation of Canada’s residential schools.  The CBC covered the story in several news articles, including this one: http://www.cbc.ca/news/aboriginal/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-by-the-numbers-1.3096185.

At the same time, I received my copy of The Education of Augie Merasty: a residential school memoir. The slim and unassuming book (a mere 73 pages) belies a story of great significance for illuminating our understanding and reforming our misconceptions of Canada’s residential schools.

Augie’s story lends a voice to a generation of under-represented First Nations, Inuit, and Metis children who were taken from their families and sent to government-funded, church-run schools. Here they were subjected to a policy of “aggressive assimilation” in addition to innumerable instances of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Through the memories of 86-year-old Augie, the reader catches a glimpse into this terrible and shameful period of Canada’s history. Author David Carpenter provides further context, revealing Augie’s ongoing battle with alcoholism alongside his persistent struggle to document his story.

This is a small but important book that forces Canada to confront its complicity in the tragedy of residential schools. Borrow The Education of Augie Merasty: a residential school memoir from your local Vaughan library today!