A book, A Song and National Indigenous History Month

In my current book I am reading the character sung along to a song in the story. That inspired me to write this post and in a way to celebrate National Indigenous History Month. The post is also inspired by the meme Music Monday created by Drew @ The Tattooed Book Geek.

The Book

Five Little Indians by Michelle Good. There has been a bit of talk about Five Little Indians after it won Governor General’s Literary Award for English-language fiction. It shines light on a shameful part of Canadian history that is not just part of history but is relevant today. Just recently, the remains of 215 children has been discovered in an unmarked mass grave at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. 

“To call it history is simply wrong” Michelle Good

Five Little Indians is a fictional exploration of the impact of living in a Canadian church-run residential school. It gives a voice to the children taken from their families at a young age and explores life after leaving the school. We follow the lives of five likable characters Kenny, Lucy, Clara, Howie, and Maisie, as they work to overcome the trauma they endured at the schools. Michelle Good explores that question often asked, “Why can’t they just get over it and move on?” Five Little Indians is why. 

The Song

Starwalker Buffy Sainte-Marie

Buffy Sainte-Marie, CC is an Indigenous Canadian-American singer-songwriter, musician, Oscar-winning composer, visual artist, educator, pacifist, and social activist.

The Lyrics used in the book

Wolf Rider she’s a friend of your’s
You’ve seen her opening doors
She’s a history turner, she’s a sweet grass burner
And a dog soldier
Ayy hey way, hey way hey-yaLightning woman, thunder child
Star soldiers one and all oh
Sisters, brothers all together
Aim straight
Stand tall

National Indigenous History Month

June is a time for Canadians to celebrate and appreciate the unique histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people.

 If you like the book sleeve you can find it here in Norma’s Etsy shop and many more. Use SISTERS20 at the checkout for 20% off.