A review by gargi
Amik Loves School: A Story of Wisdom by Katherena Vermette

5.0

In the nineteenth century, the Canadian Government decided it would be best to assimilate the indigenous peoples of Canada and the best way to go about it would be if they became Christian and spoke English or French. This was done by way of compulsory residential schools where indigenous children spent up to ten months an year, barely saw their families, and would be punished if 'caught' practising their customs. All this was done in the hope that these students would teach this lifestyle to their kids and water down their own cultures.

I didn't know any of this till this morning.

And this is why we need representation in literature.

The protagonist loves his school and asks his grandfather about his schooldays. The grandfather didn't like the school he was forced to go to where they didn't even let him speak his language. The grandfather then accompanies Amik to his school where he is happy to find that they follow their customs and that their language is being taught.
The book was quite short and simple with a younger audience in mind. I expect a classroom/library reading would provide an environment where the indigenous peoples, their practices, and the discrimination against them can be discussed.
I'm really glad that such a book exists for it will expose kids to the prejudice in the world and sensitise them.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for this review!