Book Review: Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga

Book: 126/150

Rating: 4/5

Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truth in a Northern City examines the deaths of seven Indigenous youths in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and is a factual, comprehensive and emotional read about the injustices Indigenous communities face on a daily basis.

There is so much I don’t know about Indigenous history and the realities these communities face every day. I am taking the ‘Indigenous Canada’ course offered (for free!!!) through the University of Alberta and am trying to seek out more Canadian Indigenous Literature. This one came recommended by a friend.

While non-fiction and told in a factual manner, the book is an emotional and important story that gives the families and friends of the victim's a voice and shines a light on the injustices happening in Canada.

I am horrified that I had no idea that this was happening; these deaths, and that Indigenous students in northern Ontario have to move hundreds of kilometres away from home to the Thunder Bay region to be able to continue their eduction. The racial profiling and complete disregard by the police is also incredibly upsetting and disturbing to read.

Needless to say, this is an incredibly important book and one that should be read by every Canadian.