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A Knock on the Door

The Essential History of Residential Schools from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Edited and Abridged (Perceptions on Truth and Reconciliation, Book 1)

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A Knock on the Door

Written by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Phil Fontaine - foreword, Aimée Craft - afterword
Narrated by: Michelle St. John
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About this listen

“It can start with a knock on the door one morning. It is the local Indian agent, or the parish priest, or, perhaps, a Mounted Police officer.” So began the school experience of many Indigenous children in Canada for more than a hundred years, and so begins the history of residential schools prepared by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). Between 2008 and 2015, the TRC provided opportunities for individuals, families, and communities to share their experiences of residential schools and released several reports based on 7000 survivor statements and five million documents from government, churches, and schools, as well as a solid grounding in secondary sources.

A Knock on the Door, published in collaboration with the National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, gathers material from the several reports the TRC has produced to present the essential history and legacy of residential schools in a concise and accessible package that includes new materials to help inform and contextualize the journey to reconciliation that Canadians are now embarked upon.

Survivor and former national chief of the Assembly First Nations, Phil Fontaine, provides a foreword, and an afterword introduces the holdings and opportunities of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, home to the archive of recordings, and documents collected by the TRC.

As Aimée Craft writes in the afterword, knowing the historical backdrop of residential schooling and its legacy is essential to the work of reconciliation. In the past, agents of the Canadian state knocked on the doors of Indigenous families to take the children to school. Now, the survivors have shared their truths and knocked back. It is time for Canadians to open the door to mutual understanding, respect, and reconciliation.

©2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (P)2021 University of Manitoba Press
Canada Social Sciences United States
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What the critics say

A Knock on the Door is a book that I hope every Canadian will read, and read deeply. The transformation of this country begins with acknowledging what happened after that knock on the door. Acknowledging, understanding the implications, and then resolving to do something for positive change. It's right that the TRC Calls to Action are included, for we are all called to action.” (Shelagh Rogers, OC, TRC Honorary Witness)

“A compelling book that is both accessible and well-documented.” (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about A Knock on the Door

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    5 out of 5 stars

Respectful Silence

I will take a quote from the book "by listening to the story I can change".

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Good history

Canadians should read or listen to this
not for entertainment purposes but for historical and national truth and reconciliation ones.

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Sad but Essential Reading

Should be made mandatory reading in all schools. Sad history that all Canadians need to be aware of.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Not an easy read, glad I did

If you are expecting a novel, look elsewhere. This is a point by point presentation of facts. These are facts that the education system and my government failed to teach me over 62 years. Whether you pick this book, or a different one, educate yourself on the Indian residential schools. It will open a window to where things are today and changes that can be made either as individuals or as a country to improve things. The first step is knowledge. So glad I read this. The narrator's voice is easy to listen to but it is not written in a story format. Whatever your preferences are, find a book on the subject and read.

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7 people found this helpful

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Essential reading

This is essential reading for all Canadians to understand our true history and to be informed in supporting and participating in reconciliation.

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Great info for those seeking to educate themselves

All Canadians should be aware of the role our country played and the lasting impacts of this terrible legacy. Quite eye opening and such should be taught much more in schools.

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A MUST READ FOR EVERY CANADIAN

a lot of facts but we'll worth the read - ENJOY. THE REAL HISTORY OF CANADA

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Like listening to a text book.

I wish it was written as a story where you could follow a couple of children's lives but this is just footnotes and comments. I would return it if I could but apparently you have the silver membership to be able to return. Would not recommend it as a good read.

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1 person found this helpful