A great relatively recent book about reconciliation between Indigenous communities and settler/ North American communities

 

My niece gave me this book for Christmas, and I would not have heard of it probably otherwise. She heard the two authors give a talk at her workplace in Toronto, and was inspired to purchase the book for me. I really enjoyed this treatment of colonization and coming to terms with what happened with white settlement specifically in Manitoba on land which was, of course, part of tribal land. If you are ever wondering why indigenous peoples are (still) asking for restoration, reconciliation, etc.. this book is a great place to start. It tells the story of real families in both the Waywayseecappo reserve and white communities, how those stories are intertwined, and how they make the history and legacy of colonialism real as lived experience. 

Cornerstone family stories

 I recently read this book and attended a webinar by the author, André Kearns, who weaves together foundational stories from different branches of his family, with the historical context of the time and place, and with corresponding methodology suggestions and sources that track with how he found the documentation that he used to create - or really recover and reconstruct - these stories from his family. He models how to talk about painful events, structures, and historical realities created by the racist reality of American life without those negative realities undermining the truth and the positive stories about his ancestors. 

I recommend this book for the beginner or intermediate genealogist! You will find inspiration to find a paper trail for your own ancestors, or to hire someone to research your family tree, or to coach you if you are stuck at a brick wall in your research. 

Many professional genealogists offer coaching services or one-on-one consultation services if you need help getting to the next level in your research. I offer this at the same hourly rate as my standard research rate right now - $70 per hour. Let me know if you are interested! We can do a one-hour session, as a one-time service, or ongoing monthly or quarterly or even annually. Email me at gretchencdn@gmail.com to get started.