Customer Reviews

Shingwauk's Vision: A History of Native Residential Schools

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Excellent book! I could have been there. Hell, I was there, 10 years under the loving strokes of a Jesuit strap - being systematically stripped of my language, culture, way of life and humanity. Miller's attention to detail stands out. No stone is left unturned in his relentless search for who was ultimately responsible for the existence and operation of those infamous institutions. A must read for anyone truly interested in the history of white/native relations in Canada.

As partners in a bungled social experiment, the Aboriginal people of Canada nevertheless had one thing right: that the education of children is a duty and privilege of parents. The church and the government may be called alongside to help. But if the parents relinquish the responsibility and control of their children's education, the outcome is unlikely to be advantageous for anyone. Miller's book vividly illustrates this truth. I'm glad he didn't publish before he could introduce the present chapter of the story, the founding of schools (some residential) under Aboriginal ownership, staffed and managed by the First Peoples themselves. Great book!