This book invites readers to step into a space of reflection on your personal relationship with truth, reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day.
Written in response to the increase of residential school denialism, Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeodThis book challenges readers through a series of sensitive conversations that explore decolonization, Indigenization, healing, and every person's individual responsibility to truth and reconciliation. Centered around the Orange Shirt Day movement, and a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, these conversations encourage readers to unpack and reckon with denialism, biases, privilege, and the journey forward, on both a personal and national level.
Within each chapter, Phyllis Webstaddraws on her decade of experience (sharing her Orange Shirt Story on a global level and advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples) to offer insights on these topics and stories from her personal journey, which co-author and Metis scholar, Kristy McLeod, helps readers to further navigate. Each section includes real denialist comments taken from social media and Kristy's analysis and response to them.Through empathy-driven truth-telling, this book offers an opportunity to witness, reflect, heal, and be intentional about the seeds we hope to plant for the future, together.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
General Introduction
Phyllis’s Introduction
Kristy’s Introduction
Rationale for book
Terminology for the Work of DecolonizationPart One: Denial of the Truth
Questions We’ve Been Asked Related to Denial of the Truth
Understanding Denialism in Healing
Forms of Denialism Directly Related to Decolonization
Racist Stereotyping
Indigenous Experiences with Racist Stereotypes
Historical Denial
Phyllis’ Experiences with Historical Denial
Minimization
Collective Reluctance and Its Purpose
The Difference Between Dissociation and Denialism
Effect of Denial and Denialism on Healing
Denial of the Truth and You
Conclusion
Reflection Questions for You
Part Two: Awareness and Acknowledgment of the Truth
Questions We’ve Been Asked Related to Awareness and Acknowledgement of the Truth
Understanding, Awareness, and Acknowledgement in Healing
Awareness and Acknowledgment of Canada’s Colonial History
Key Moments of Colonization
Indian Act
Land Dispossession
Forced Assimilation
Cultural Suppression
The Royal Proclamation
Public Acknowledgements of Responsibility
Awareness and Acknowledgement of the Truth and You
Privilege
Conclusion
Reflection Questions for You
Part Three: Acceptance and Facing Responsibility on the Path of Truth and Reconciliation
Questions We’ve Been Asked Related to Acceptance and Facing Responsibility on the Path of Truth and Reconciliation
Reckoning with the Past—Confronting Pain and Denial
Taking Responsibility on the Path of Truth and Reconciliation and You
What is Allyship?
Decolonizing Knowledge and Seeking Indigenous Perspectives
Addressing the Injustices and Their Ongoing Effects
Conclusion
Reflection Questions for You
Part Four: Moving Forward on the Path of Healing Together
Questions We’ve Been Asked Related to Moving Forward on the Path of Healing Together
What is Reconciliation?
Why Engage in Reconciliation?
Reconciliation and You
How Can Reconciliation Happen?
When Will Reconciliation Be Done?
Reflection Questions for You
Endings and Beginnings: Cycles of Learning and Growth
Afterword: “My whole life has been an act of decolonization”
Sources
About the Author :
Phyllis Webstad (née Jack) is Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwépemc and Irish/Scottish heritage. She was born in Dog Creek and lives in Williams Lake, BC, Canada. Phyllis has inspired thousands and thousands of people to honour Residential School Survivors and their families and share the call on September 30th of each year that "EVERY CHILD MATTERS." Phyllis is well respected for her work as an ambassador for the Orange Shirt Day, her courage and for striving to heal our communities and Nation through speaking her truth. Kristy McLeod is a registered Métis with family roots in the Lac St. Anne and Red River Settlements. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction exploring Métis Identity. Her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction was focused on how to create inclusive schools. She has been working as an educator in schools for the past 20+ years, both as a teacher in the K-12 system and as a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria. She is Co-owner of PathWise Solutions Inc, a company focused on creating eLearning and training, as well as web solutions for diverse learning groups. She was chair of the Education Committee for the Métis Nation of Victoria and a Director at Large on its board since 2021. Her focus in all things she does is to recognize the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of consultation in creating unity.
Review :
“Decolonization and Me is essential reading for anyone interested in truth, justice, and reconciliation. Phyllis and Kristy’s honest reflections deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead in the work of building a better future.”- Sean Carleton, Author of Lessons in Legitimacy
“Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation is a clear, courageous, and practical book. Through sharing of personal narratives and collective histories, the book powerfully helps us understand the truth of the past so we can build a more cohesive and unified future.”
- Dr. Roshan Danesh, KC, co-author Reconciling History: A Story of Canada (2024)
“Kristy and Phyllis’ book Decolonization and Me is a powerful call for all of us to increase our awareness and more importantly, to act. Through their story-telling, interwoven with historical information and insights, these authors have modeled the importance of telling Indigenous peoples’ stories of struggle and resistance through factual information about the brutal history of Canada. The genuineness and authenticity of their voices speaks to our hearts and our minds as we engage with their often painful lived experiences. The clarity of their words resonates and challenges us to examine our own positionality. Kristy and Phyllis’ ongoing courage at confronting denier comments through using social media examples, and their unique approach to calling out the toxicity of online anonymity, bring a new way to reclaim reality and truth. This book takes the reader on a complex journey, involving us throughout as we move toward reconciliation, recognizing that the journey is a long and circuitous one that is never completed but always revealing new understandings of ourselves and our role in reconciliation as we make steps to a more socially just world.”
– Kathy Sanford, Professor, Interim Associate Dean Graduate Programs & Research
“When my work requires me to find space and grace in difficult discussions, Phyllis Webstad and Kristy Mcleod have written the guidebook. Anyone who finds themselves locked in debate with a relative at an extended family dinner will find useful and meaningful ways to move forward with intention.”- Hilary Atleo, Iron Dog Books
