12 books from Indigenous authors in Canada that includes a variety of perspectives and styles of writing. The books cover such topics as the resilience, culture, and heritage of Indigenous communities, struggles and triumphs of Indigenous individuals, the impact of colonialism and ongoing injustices against Indigenous Peoples, and paths towards reconciliation.

1. Title: The Reason You Walk: A Memoir
Author: Wab Kinew
Description:
Kinew's intimate memoir combines personal narrative with ancestral wisdom and public policy, exploring themes of forgiveness, intergenerational trauma, and the enduring strength of Indigenous culture in the face of adversity. Kinew shares his father's journey through the shadows of residential schools as well as his own resilient story of overcoming personal struggles. His intimate portrayal not only delves into the impact of colonialism but also emphasizes paths to reconciliation and a brighter future for Indigenous Peoples.

2. Title: Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Author: Jessica McDiarmid
Description:
Jessica McDiarmid's eye-opening investigation sheds light on the deeply troubling cases along British Columbia's Highway 16, revealing the systemic negligence and societal injustices that perpetuated the disappearances and murders of Indigenous women and girls. With a compassionate approach, McDiarmid advocates for justice, highlighting the urgent need for societal change and recognition of these tragic losses.

3. Title: From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way
Author: Jesse Thistle
Description:
Jesse Thistle's memoir is a powerful story resilience and self-discovery as he details his struggles with homelessness, addiction, prejudice, and reclaiming his Métis heritage. His gripping narrative of recovery not only illuminates the challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and too often the lack of needed societal supports, but also speaks to the transformative power of personal redemption and cultural reconnection.

4. Title: Becoming a Matriarch
Author: Helen Knott
Description:
Helen Knott's memoir is a very personal telling of trauma, healing, and the significance of Indigenous matriarchy in the face of adversity. Knott emphasizes the resilience of Indigenous women, weaving a compelling story of strength, survival, and the quest for cultural reclamation.

5. Title: True Reconciliation: How to Be a Force for Change
Author: Jody Wilson-Raybould
Description: Wilson-Raybould, Canada’s first Indigenous Attorney General and a former Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, offers an insightful roadmap toward genuine reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Drawing upon her experiences, Wilson-Raybould outlines practical steps toward fostering understanding, accountability, and systemic change, urging individuals, organizations and governments to learn, understand, and act help create a country that truly values Indigenous perspectives and decolonization to be a country that everyone residing within it can be proud of.

6. Title: Truth Telling: Seven Conversations about Indigenous Life in Canada
Author: Michelle Good
Description: Michelle Good brings together a collection of essays offering an honest and diverse exploration of Indigenous experiences in Canada. Through personal stories and historical insights, Good navigates themes of racism, broken treaties, resilience, cultural pillaging and reclamation, and the ongoing quest for truth and reconciliation.

See comment for descriptions of Books 7-12 (word limit reached for list description)