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Seven Fallen Feathers

Written by: Tanya Talaga
Narrated by: Michaela Washburn
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Publisher's Summary

Finalist, 2017 Hilary Weston Writers’ Trust Prize for Nonfiction

Finalist, 2017 Speaker's Book Award

Finalist, 2018 B.C. National Award for Canadian Non-fiction

In 1966, 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack froze to death on the railway tracks after running away from residential school. An inquest was called, and four recommendations were made to prevent another tragedy. None of those recommendations were applied.

More than a quarter of a century later, from 2000 to 2011, seven Indigenous high school students died in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The seven were hundreds of miles away from their families, forced to leave home and live in a foreign and unwelcoming city. Five were found dead in the rivers surrounding Lake Superior, below a sacred Indigenous site. Jordan Wabasse, a gentle boy and star hockey player, disappeared into the -20 degrees Celsius night. The body of celebrated artist Norval Morrisseau’s grandson, Kyle, was pulled from a river, as was Curran Strang’s. Robyn Harper died in her boardinghouse hallway, and Paul Panacheese inexplicably collapsed on his kitchen floor. Reggie Bushie’s death finally prompted an inquest, seven years after the discovery of Jethro Anderson, the first boy whose body was found in the water.

Using a sweeping narrative focusing on the lives of the students, award-winning investigative journalist Tanya Talaga delves into the history of this small northern city that has come to manifest Canada’s long struggle with human rights violations against Indigenous communities.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2017 Tanya Talaga (P)2018 Anansi Audio
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See Author Tanya Talaga at the 2019 FOLD

''There cannot be reconciliation in this country without basic rights,'' said the Seven Fallen Feathers author during a panel at the 2019 Festival of Literary Diversity. ''And until there is equity, we will not see that.''
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What listeners say about Seven Fallen Feathers

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Should be required reading.

Eye-opening. As a non-indigenous Canadian, I am embarrassed at how little I knew about this topic and generational trauma.

Excellent book.

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Vital reading for everyone

We live in a system of apartheid. Canadians of all backgrounds have a responsibility to learn about the systemic racism and oppression that impact Indigenous lives every day. Heart wrenching and beautifully written, this will move you to tears and (hopefully) enrage you to action. Settler Canadians must take responsibility to learn about the systems of oppression that we continue to benefit from at the expense of our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

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great

This book is a sad account of indigenous lives lost and the mistakes made along the way.



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This should be required reading in all Canadian schools

Eye opening. I had expected the story to simply be about the 7 native students who all died of “unknown” causes in Thunder Bay. But this is a far richer book. I now have a much deeper understanding of the history of indigenous peoples in Canada and the systemic racism they encounter.

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A must-read for all Settler-Canadians

These tragic accounts illustrate many of the consequences of colonization and residential schools. It was eye-opening and, even though they are hard to hear, it so important as a white settler to hear these stories. Thank you to the families for sharing these truths with the world.

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Essential reading for Canadians

This book illuminated a number of aspects about how indigenous people (particularly young people) struggle to thrive in Canada.

I would also recommend CBC's podcast series, Finding Cleo, as an excellent follow up for extending your knowledge of this contentious area of Canadian history.

#Audible1

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Accurate, riveting and will impact your soul

Feel the full weight of the reality of living as indigenous families in Ontario trying to battle against inadequate housing, water, justice, education, health and the constant bombardment of racism in a province in which you have no voice or respect. These real-life stories are the education I was deprived growing up in southern Ontario. This is a must-read if you think you should be proud of what we have made in Canada.

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Heart breaking and raw

Something all Canadians should read to truly understand the legacy of colonialism & its ongoing effects on Native communities.

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Factual

Well done. Each chapter was put together well. Intriguing. Could not stop listening to this account of Indigenous experience in Thunder Bay, Ontario. What a horrible experience at the hands of non Indigenous people. Disappointing this is Canada.

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Should be taught in schools

An important read. Especially for Canadians to educate on the tragic real events happening to indigenous communities in our own backyard, and in modern day.

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