Op-Ed: Indigenous Reads Holiday Campaign

OTTAWA, Nov.18, 2016 /CNW/ - Reconciliation is a journey for all Canadians.  It can begin through gestures large or small, including reading an Indigenous book or author and learning about Indigenous issues, culture and history.

This Sunday, on National Child Day, I will be visiting Mabel's Fables Children's Bookstore to read Akilak's Adventure to children in our community.  It tells the story of a young Inuit girl who through her imagination and her grandmother's spirit, takes a long and grand adventure out on the tundra.

Over the years I have enjoyed giving books by indigenous authors and allies as presents my friends and families for birthdays and during the holiday season. I also am shameless at supporting Indigenous authors and artists when I write my 'wish list'. We have so much work to do to increase awareness and understanding of our shared history and encourage reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.‎ 

Starting this Sunday and throughout the holiday season, I will be sharing on twitter and Facebook my suggestions for wonderful Indigenous books for children and adults too!   

I invite all Canadians to share their own recommendations on using hashtags #GiftingReconciliation and #IndigenousReads.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season. I know that as we move forward into Canada's next 150 years, we can build a better, stronger Canada by working hard to learn what we were never taught in school.  

Sincerely,

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett,
Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

SOURCE Government of Canada

Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennet, [phone]