Every Child Matters - A Children’s Book for Reconciliation
“A brilliantly illustrated and meticulously written narrative. It is a must-read”
Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Gwawaenuk Elder, Reconciliation Canada
Every Child Matters is a phrase that has been growing in popularity across Canada since the discovery of 215 unmarked graves at a former Residential School in what we call Kamloops, B.C.
Of course every child matters, but what does that really mean? How do we match our actions to that sentiment? How do we demonstrate our commitment to actually valuing all children and challenging the biases, political structures, and false stereotypes that continue to endanger Indigenous children specifically?
One way is education.
If you weren't aware, the last Residential School in Canada closed in 1997. I was 5 years old. This is not history from ancient times, this is the current Canadian context. Education about Canada's ongoing mistreatment of Indigenous communities is essential, and if you follow this blog, you know (and probably share) my belief in the power of literature.
Every Child Matters releases August 8th, by Medicine Wheel Publishing. It is a beautiful children's book written by Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Webstad, a Residential School survivor and member of the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). The book is illustrated by Karlene Harvey, a writer and illustrator of Tsilhqot'in, Syilx and European ancestry. She is also the daughter of a Residential School Survivor.
Education is the key to bringing change. Every Child Matters is an age-appropriate way to introduce ideas of Orange Shirt Day, the Residential School System, and Indigenous cultural survival.
In Canada, Orange Shirt Day is honored on September 30th. September 30th has also since become a national day of remembrance - The National Day of Truth & Reconciliation.
My daughter is almost 3 and this book is perfectly appropriate to introduce to her. There are beautiful, colorful illustrations, simple language , and clear messaging. Personally, I love the inclusion of the translations into various Indigenous languages and the simple, bright imagery that pops off the page. Education does not need to be steeped in trauma to be effective - and simple concepts of right and wrong are taught early.
This is a powerful children's book that would be beneficial in the library of any child, but I would recommend it especially highly for those of you raising 'Canadian' children. We are not responsible for the actions of our ancestors but if we do nothing to change them, our generation will have their own wrongs to right.
Vous pouvez aussi l'achetez en Français: Chaque Enfant Compte.
