Book Discussion

Feb 16, 2024

As promised late last year, TRCBobcaygeon is having a book discussion this spring to discuss the following books:

Aazhoodenaang Enjibaajig. Our Long Struggle for Home. The Ipperwash Story.   
and
Heather Menzies. Meeting My Treaty Kin: A Journey Toward Reconciliation
 
The first book recounts the story of the Stony Point Reserve’s land being taken during World War II for the purpose of using the land as a military training base, and the long struggle to reclaim it once the war ended. The story is told from the perspective of the friends and family members of Dudley George, an unarmed Stoney Point member shot and killed by the OPP in 1995.  The saga continues today with the community still not in full control of their land with undetonated munitions still not cleaned up by the federal Department of Defense.  This is ultimately a story of resilience and persistence. From the UBC Press summary:
“This is an important read for anyone who seeks a better understanding of the continuing influence of Canada’s colonial history and the injustices that Indigenous people have faced…”

The second book by Heather Menzies, a non-Indigenous writer, whose grandparents lived near the Ipperwash site, chronicles her commitment to learn about the true history of colonization in this area, in order to try to build new relationships.   As she assisted the above writers in their wish to tell their own story, she learned the power of respectful listening, the need to examine one’s own privileged perspective and offers one example of moving along the path to reconciliation.

 

Details of the book discussion:

When: Tuesday March 26th 7:00 p.m.
Where: Trinity United Church,  St., Bobcaygeon
How: In person meeting co-facilitated by Elaine Bird and Ann Davidson

Cost: Free or by donation to TRCBobcaygeon@gmail.com

Please RSVP to TRCBobcaygeon@gmail.com if you plan to attend so we can get an idea of numbers.

The books are available at the Kawartha Lakes Library System or through Indigo Books or UBC Press.

Happy reading.