UTSC librarians and staff have compiled a list of books and resources that celebrate Indigenous voices, educate on Indigenous history in Canada, and provide resources for standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples.
The UTSC Library remains committed to fostering spaces of collaboration, sharing, and respect while providing research support and connections to Indigenous resources and knowledge.
This 'Read Indigenous' resources and reading shortlist is mainly compiled from materials shared during the annual U of T Indigenous Book Club. This list is ongoing, and recommendations are welcome via email. Community recommendations will be marked with an asterisk*.
Visit the Indigenous Book Club resource guide to discover more multi-media resources and works created by Indigenous authors and artists. The Indigenous Book Club will return this fall.
15 book highlights from the Indigenous Book Club
1. The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
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2. Think Indian: Languages are Beyond Price by Basil Johnston
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3. Will I See by David Robertson; G. M. B. Chomichuk (Illustrator)
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4. Dead White Writer on the Floor by Drew Hayden Taylor
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5. The Journey Forward: A Novella on Reconciliation by Richard Van Camp and Monique Gray Smith
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6. Gathering Moss by Robin Wall Kimmerer
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7. Embers: One Ojibway's Meditations by Richard Wagamese
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8. Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq
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9. Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead
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10. This Place: 150 Years Retold by Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm; Sonny Assu; Brandon Mitchell; Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley; Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley; David A. Robertson; Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair; Jen Storm; Richard Van Camp; Katherena Vermette; Chelsea Vowel; Tara Audibert (Illustrator); Kyle Charles (Illustrator); G. M. B. Chomichuk (Illustrator); Natasha Donovan (Illustrator); Scott B. Henderson (Illustrator); Andrew Lodwick (Illustrator); Scott A. Ford (Illustrator); Donovan Yaciuk (Illustrator); Alicia Elliott (Foreword by); Ryan Howe (Illustrator)
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11. Unreconciled by Jesse Wente
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12. Indigenous Toronto: Stories that Carry this Place by Denise Bolduc, Mnawaate Gordon-Corbiere, Rebeka Tabobondung, and Brian Wright-McLeod
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13. Whose Land is it Anyway: A Manual for Decolonization
Whose Land Is It Anyway: A Manual for Decolonization (from the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators, BC)
14. My Conversations with Canadians by Lee Maracle
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15. Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson
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Art
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This Place (Studio Exhibit): This Place, Neyaashiinigmiing weaves a set of narratives about genetically modified fish, nuclear power and private hunting islands, against the backdrop of the Bruce Peninsula’s unforgettable landscape. In an immersive installation of video, sound and drawings, the work examines the ongoing court case between the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) and the Canadian Government contemplating how exploitative threads from Canada's colonial history continue today and have deep environmental and social impacts.
Podcasts & Radio
Further reading
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National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
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Summary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report
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Indigenous grads share stories of self-discovery at First Nations House ceremony
Guides for further research
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The Bora Laskin Law Library guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
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The OISE Library has developed this collection of Free Truth and Reconciliation Content for Educators
Take Action
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Visit the U of T Indigenous Book Club guide’s Activism Opportunities page to learn more.
Donate
U of T Resources
For all students, staff and faculty:
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Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (located on the St. George Campus)
For students:
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Health and Wellness Centre (St. George Campus)
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Health and Wellness Centre (UTSC)
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My SSP (support available 24/7/365)
For staff and faculty:
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Employee and Family Assistance Program (support available 24/7/365)