The Journey Forward

The Journey Forward, A Novella On Reconciliation is made up of two titles, bound together in a "flip book" format, giving readers, educators, parents, caregivers and more the chance to share and experience two points-of-view on residential schools and reconciliation in one compelling package.

When We Play Our Drums, They Sing! by Richard Van Camp is the story of 12-year-old Dene Cho, who is angry that his people are losing their language, traditions and ways of being. Elder Snowbird is there to answer some of Dene Cho's questions and to share their history including the impact Residential schools continue to have on their people. It is through this conversation with Snowbird that Dene Cho begins to find himself and begins to realize that understanding the past can ultimately change the future.

Lucy & Lola by Monique Gray Smith is the story of Lucy and Lola, 11-year-old twins who are heading to Gabriola Island, B.C., to spend the summer with their Kookum (grandmother) while their mother studies for the bar exam. During their time with Kookum, the girls begin to learn about her experiences in being sent — and having to send their mother — to Residential school. Ultimately, they discover what it means to be intergenerational survivors.