(2017) - Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City - Tanya Talaga
Tanya Talaga, a journalist of Anishinaabe and Polish descent, talks about the experiences of Indigenous children at schools in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In particular, she surrounds the conversation around the deaths of seven Indigenous high school students who had travelled to Thunder Bay to attend boarding school. Talaga argues that their deaths are a direct result of the neocolonialist policies and institutional racism against Indigenous peoples. Through conversations with community leaders, she demonstrates the hurt and mistrust which has been long imposed due to the rules and regulations placed upon them. The burden of harm which has been disposed upon Indigenous peoples is systematic and bound to them, making it significantly more difficult to navigate the current social systems in place.
[G]overnment of Canada has historically underfunded education and health services for Indigenous children, [...] and how it continues to do so to this day. The white face of prosperity built its own society as the red face powerlessly stood and watched.