Library's One Book Wednesdays series to highlight Indigenous, residential school history

Photo: Castanet Staff

The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library has announced the launch of One Book Wednesdays, a series of virtual events highlighting Indigenous and residential school history.

According to a statement from the TNRL, three events will be held throughout May, meant to enhance the experience of readers as they move through the book Five Little Indians — the library’s official selection for its One Book, One Community initiative.

For its first event, the library said it will be hosting a free virtual screening of British Columbia: An Untold History - Change and Resistance on May 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“This episode of the documentary series provides a retelling of British Columbia from the diverse people, families, rebels and dreamers who shaped the province,” the TNRL said.

The second event will take place on May 18, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The library will host Indigenous author and filmmaker Doreen Manuel to discuss political Indigenous history and Indigenous movements in Canada. Manuel will also talk about her book, Brotherhood to Nationhood: George Manuel and the Making of the Modern Indian Movement.

The final event is a virtual presentation on the history of the Kamloops Indian Residential School. This presentation from the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park is set for May 25 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The library said the One Book, One Community initiative — a partnership between the TNRL, the Cariboo Regional District Library and Thompson Rivers University — was meant to support literacy, build understanding and promote Canadian authors.

Five Little Indians, a novel which follows the lives of Indigenous youth as they navigate life in 1960’s Vancouver after years in a B.C. residential school, was written by Savona author Michelle Good.

Good won the Governor General’s Literary Award in June for the novel.

Those interested in registering for any of the One Book Wednesday events can find more information on the library’s website.