MontréaLisons: Widia Larivière's favourite reads
Widia Larivière, founding director of Mikana, strives to defend the rights of indigenous peoples. She recommends four books that encourage dialogue on inclusion and the fight against anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.
Her top-four reads
Kuei, je te salue : conversation sur le racisme, by Deni Ellis Béchard and Natasha Kanapé Fontaine
Éditions Écosociété, 2020
I consider this book to be a must-read on racism against Indigenous peoples in Québec. Natasha Kanapé Fontaine, an Innu multidisciplinary artist, and Deni Ellis Béchard, a Québécois-American novelist, exchange letters in which they share their thoughts and experiences on relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. This book offers us a healthy reflection on the subject, without taboos, along with possible solutions for building bridges between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Indigenous writes, by Chelsea Vowel
Highwater Press, 2016
In this book, Métis writer Chelsea Vowel demystifies many prejudices and does a remarkable job of popularizing various themes related to the realities of Aboriginal peoples as well as relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about these basic concepts.
Wapke, collection edited by Michel Jean
Éditions Stanké, 2021
This book is a collective work of short stories written by a number of Aboriginal authors who present their vision of the future. I feel that there is a glaring lack of Aboriginal representation in science fiction and fantasy, where we are often seen as people stuck in the past. This book helps change perceptions and shows that Aboriginal people are not just people of the past. They are also part of the future that they have the right to envision, and to allow themselves to hope for change.
C’est le Québec qui est né dans mon pays, by Emmanuelle Dufour
Éditions Écosociété, 2021
This graphic non-fiction work follows Emmanuelle Dufour’s reflections on the relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It also portrays the stories of many Aboriginal people. The comic book format makes it easier to read about such an important subject. I sincerely believe that this book should be required reading in all school curricula.
Quick search
Need help?
Contact us if you have questions.