Fwd: Summer reading... fall book study
Peter Chynoweth
Summer reading … Fall book study
All
are invited to participate in a book study to learn more about the legacy of
NWT residential schools and what people experienced there. We will be reading My
Heart Shook Like a Drum: What I Learned at the Indian Mission Schools,
Northwest Territories by Alice Blondin-Perrin (Borealis Press 2009,
206 pages). We will read the book over the summer and meet in September to
discuss the book. The author’s sister, Elder Bessa Blondin, will join us
for the discussion.
Please indicate your interest to:
Joanna Wilson, 873-6939 or email: matts...@yahoo.com
About the author:
Alice Blondin-Perrin is a Dene born in 1948 at Cameron Bay, NWT. The Canadian Government made it mandatory for all Indian children to attend religious mission schools away from the influences of Indian parents. Alice was raised in four Residential Schools: St. Joseph´s Roman Catholic Mission School in Fort Resolution, Federal Hostels in Breynat Hall in Fort Smith, Lapointe Hall in Fort Simpson and Akaitcho Hall in Yellowknife. Alice suffered through many years of abuse trying to fit into a new way of life in residential school. Upon leaving, Alice had to learn everything about the outside world by herself and suffered from language barriers between her parents and the community. It took many years to learn about aboriginal culture and traditions. Despite this, she overcame those barriers by reading thousands of books to educate herself. She worked for 30 years at various jobs and raised two successful daughters. Alice now resides in Quebec with her husband, Dave.
Nancy Trotter
Join us even if you have not read the book.
