The resources below offer multiple ways of learning—through history, lived experience, and story—many written by Indigenous authors.
The history and legacy of residential schools in Canada have been documented through survivor testimony, academic research, government records, and creative expression. These resources are intended to support students, educators, researchers, organizations, and community learning.
This list is not exhaustive. It is intended to offer trusted starting points for visitors who wish to learn more.
If You Only Read One Book
For visitors seeking a single, accessible place to begin:
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – They Came for the Children
A concise, plain-language overview of residential schools based on survivor testimony and historical records, designed specifically for general readers and first-time learners.
Recommended for First-Time Readers
These works offer an approachable introduction to residential schools, combining historical context with personal perspective.
Understanding the History
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – They Came for the Children
An accessible summary of the residential school system, its purpose, and its impacts, drawn directly from survivor testimony.
Chelsea Vowel – Indigenous Writes
A clear, question-and-answer guide that helps readers understand Indigenous histories, rights, and contemporary realities in Canada.
Hearing Survivor Voices
Bev Sellars – They Called Me Number One
A survivor memoir recounting childhood at a residential school and the long-term impacts on family, identity, and community.
Augie Merasty with David Carpenter – The Education of Augie Merasty
A first-person account offering insight into daily life inside a residential school and the challenges of speaking openly about that experience.
Learning Through Story
Richard Wagamese – Indian Horse
A novel that explores the legacy of residential schools through the story of a young Ojibwe hockey player, offering an emotional entry point into the history.
Tomson Highway – Kiss of the Fur Queen
A semi-autobiographical novel following two Cree brothers as they navigate residential school trauma, creativity, and resilience.
Full Resources and Publications List
Truth, Testimony, and National Records
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada – Final Report (2015)
A multi-volume national report documenting survivor testimony, historical records, and the impacts of residential schools, including the 94 Calls to Action.
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR)
A national archive preserving survivor statements, photographs, documents, and educational materials related to residential schools.
Library and Archives Canada – Residential School Records
Federal policy documents, correspondence, and administrative records related to the residential school system.
Scholarly and Historical Works
John S. Milloy – A National Crime: The Canadian Government and the Residential School System, 1879–1986
A foundational historical analysis examining federal policy, funding, and oversight of residential schools.
Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (1996)
A landmark report exploring the historical and contemporary relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the Canadian state.
Roland Chrisjohn et al. – The Circle Game
An early critical study examining the psychological and social impacts of residential schools on Indigenous communities.
Survivor Voices and Memoirs
Bev Sellars – They Called Me Number One
A firsthand account of residential school life and its enduring effects, written with clarity and strength.
Augie Merasty with David Carpenter – The Education of Augie Merasty
A survivor narrative that reveals everyday realities within residential schools and the long silence surrounding abuse.
Rita Joe – Song of Rita Joe
A life story told through poetry and prose, reflecting Mi’kmaq identity, resilience, and the effects of colonial policy.
Fiction, Poetry, and Creative Expression
Richard Wagamese – Indian Horse
A widely read novel that introduces residential school history through storytelling and character-driven narrative.
Tomson Highway – Kiss of the Fur Queen
A literary exploration of trauma, healing, and Cree cultural strength.
Lee Maracle – Ravensong
A novel addressing colonialism and community resilience, through Indigenous worldview and oral tradition.
Katherena Vermette – The Break
A contemporary novel exploring intergenerational trauma and Indigenous strength in an urban context.
Recommended for Younger Readers
Phyllis’s Orange Shirt – Phyllis Webstad
Shares Phyllis Webstad’s personal story and the origins of Orange Shirt Day. Helps young children understand and express emotions, listen to others’ experiences, and begin conversations about resilience and empathy.
With Our Orange Hearts – Phyllis Webstad
This picture book shares Phyllis Webstad’s personal story and the origins of Orange Shirt Day. It helps young children understand and express their emotions, listen to others’ experiences, and begin conversations about feelings, resilience, and empathy.
When We Were Alone – David A. Robertson & Julie Flett
Told through a child and her grandmother, this story sensitively explains residential schools and identity. Ideal for early readers (~4–8 years).
The Secret Pocket – Peggy Janice & Carrielynn Victor
Based on a true story of girls sewing secret pockets in their dresses to hide food at residential school. Suitable for children ~6–8 years.
I Am Not a Number – Jenny Kay Dupuis
A picture book about a girl sent to residential school, focusing on identity and belonging. Appropriate for early elementary readers.
Fatty Legs – Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
A memoir for older elementary readers, recounting Margaret’s experiences at residential school and her journey of resilience.
Not My Girl – Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
A follow-up memoir reflecting on returning home after residential school, suitable for middle-grade readers.
A Stranger at Home – Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Continues Margaret’s story for middle-grade audiences, highlighting challenges and resilience after residential school.
Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story – David A. Robertson
A graphic novel based on a true story of a residential school survivor. Recommended for older youth who can engage with deeper themes.
Indigenous History and Context
Arthur J. Ray – Indians in the Fur Trade
Provides historical context for Indigenous–settler relations prior to residential schools, emphasizing Indigenous agency.
Daniel Heath Justice – Why Indigenous Literatures Matter
Explores how Indigenous storytelling shapes understanding of history, responsibility, and belonging.
International and Human Rights Context
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
An international framework outlining Indigenous rights related to culture, language, education, and self-determination.
United Nations – Reports on Indigenous Peoples
Provides international human rights context relevant to residential schools and colonial policies.