In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, the Westside Literacy Hub is launching a Read for Reconciliation campaign from September 23rd to 30th, 2024. This campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of residential schools and honoring the strength of Indigenous communities. We’ve curated a list of powerful, age-appropriate books that explore Indigenous experiences, culture, and resilience. These titles, such as Today Is Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad and The Misewa Saga series by David A. Robertson, offer an opportunity for readers of all ages to engage with stories that matter.
In addition to sharing this book list, we’re running a special giveaway where three lucky participants will win a book from the list from Kids Books and gift cards to a Kits On Broadway merchants like Yum Sweet Shop, The Pie Hole, or Storm City Coffee.
Whether you’re looking for a new read or a way to support Indigenous voices, this campaign invites you to reflect, learn, and take part in the journey towards reconciliation. Join us as we come together to acknowledge the importance of this day and work towards a more inclusive future.
Recommended reads:
🧡 Today Is Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad (nee Jack)
🧡 Notable Native People by Adrienne Keene
🧡 A Is for Anemone by Roy Henry Vickers
🧡 The Misewa Saga (series) by DAVID A. ROBERTSON
🧡 Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad
🧡 Why We Dance by Deidre Havrelock
🧡 Turtle Island by ELDON YELLOWHORN
🧡 The Case of Windy Lake by Michael Hutchinson
🧡 Who Am I? by Julie Buchholtz
🧡 Still This Love Goes On by Buffy Sainte-Marie + Julie Flett
🧡 Aggie and Mudgy by Wendy Proverbs
🧡 The Kids Book of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada by Diane Silvey + John Mantha
Read For Reconciliation
About the West Side Literacy Hub
The West Side Literacy Hub is a network of local organizations and community members who work together to promote literacy in its many forms on the West Side of Vancouver. It is facilitated by the Literacy Outreach Coordinator (LOC), based out of Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Funding for the Literacy Hub comes from Decoda Literacy.
Decoda is proud to support the literacy network in BC and works with 98 Literacy Outreach Coordinators (LOCs) serving 400 communities across the province. Kits House and the West Side Literacy Hub are one of these groups. These LOCs work with local community literacy task groups, or Literacy Hubs, which are made up of representatives from various community organizations such as libraries, family resource programs, employment agencies, the business community, the K-12 school system, and literacy organizations. Together, they identify local literacy needs and priorities. They develop action plans to deliver literacy programs and services that best serve people in their communities.
The Literacy Hub meets regularly, and each year works collectively to host the West Side Literacy Fair in spring – an all-ages event that showcases literacy in its many forms. For more information, please visit: kitshouse.org/west-side-literacy-hub
