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Grave Error: How The Media Misled Us
After the announcement by the T'kemlups First Nation of the “discovery” of unmarked graves at Kamloops, many politicians, Indigenous leaders, and media have thrown aside balance, restraint, and caution, turning truth into a casualty.
Public discussion of Indian Residential Schools issues is now filled with the following assertions, all of which are either totally false or grossly exaggerated:
Thousands of “missing children” went away to residential schools and were never heard from again.
These missing children are buried in unmarked graves underneath or around mission churches and schools.
Many of these missing children were murdered by school personnel after being subjected to physical and sexual abuse, even outright torture.
The carnage is appropriately defined as genocide.
Many human remains have already been located by ground-penetrating radar, and many more will be found as government-funded research progresses.
Most Indian children attended residential schools.
Those who attended residential schools did not go voluntarily but were compelled to attend by federal policy and enforcement.
Attendance at residential school has traumatized Indigenous people, creating social pathologies that descend across generations.
Residential schools destroyed Indigenous languages and culture.
The flight from truth makes true Reconciliation impossible. Why will Canadians want to extend the hand of friendship to Indigenous people who continue to call them criminals and murderers? Why will Indigenous people want to engage in mutual cooperation with people whom they have been led to regard as criminals and murderers?
Getting beyond the “Grave Error” and recovering a more balanced picture of residential schools is the only road to genuine Reconciliation.
This excellent collection of first rate articles is the place to start.
Public discussion of Indian Residential Schools issues is now filled with the following assertions, all of which are either totally false or grossly exaggerated:
Thousands of “missing children” went away to residential schools and were never heard from again.
These missing children are buried in unmarked graves underneath or around mission churches and schools.
Many of these missing children were murdered by school personnel after being subjected to physical and sexual abuse, even outright torture.
The carnage is appropriately defined as genocide.
Many human remains have already been located by ground-penetrating radar, and many more will be found as government-funded research progresses.
Most Indian children attended residential schools.
Those who attended residential schools did not go voluntarily but were compelled to attend by federal policy and enforcement.
Attendance at residential school has traumatized Indigenous people, creating social pathologies that descend across generations.
Residential schools destroyed Indigenous languages and culture.
The flight from truth makes true Reconciliation impossible. Why will Canadians want to extend the hand of friendship to Indigenous people who continue to call them criminals and murderers? Why will Indigenous people want to engage in mutual cooperation with people whom they have been led to regard as criminals and murderers?
Getting beyond the “Grave Error” and recovering a more balanced picture of residential schools is the only road to genuine Reconciliation.
This excellent collection of first rate articles is the place to start.
343 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2023
137 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 29, 2024
My mother went to a residential school in Quebec. She passed away in the 1970’s.
I heard many stories of the schools but only one really yucky one. When the nuns caught her naked examining herself in a mirror.
She talked about being cared for and helped to read and write English and French. 3 of her siblings were with her and they were never forbidden from speaking their native language although it was not permitted in class.
One of the teachers (a nun) gave her and her twin sister each a native American doll. I still have hers.
She said it was awful being taken from her family, but they were never abused although discipline was strict.
She was glad to go originally because her parents had chosen not to send their kids to school and my mother wanted to move somewhere “better” and become a nurse (which she did)
I know a lot of kids died in residential schools, but they were not only First Nations people. Her school was only about 40% First Nations. She made life long friendships there.
When I first moved to Kamloops, I registered at the site of the old residential school. There was an old graveyard with a few wooden delapitated crosses no names showed on them. I asked why no one was maintaining it. The answer was that First Nations people did not recognize death the way that the white people did not have graveyards. As they were nomadic ( my mother was Mohawk so she wasn’t) they were wrapped in blankets put into a fetal position and honoured.
Then they were laid onto the ground and left with their possessions to return to the earth.
All in all a good book.
Of note. Since I wrote this review, I have been asked by three First Nations people to rate it badly without reading it. And they are all from the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc band in Kamloops.
I heard many stories of the schools but only one really yucky one. When the nuns caught her naked examining herself in a mirror.
She talked about being cared for and helped to read and write English and French. 3 of her siblings were with her and they were never forbidden from speaking their native language although it was not permitted in class.
One of the teachers (a nun) gave her and her twin sister each a native American doll. I still have hers.
She said it was awful being taken from her family, but they were never abused although discipline was strict.
She was glad to go originally because her parents had chosen not to send their kids to school and my mother wanted to move somewhere “better” and become a nurse (which she did)
I know a lot of kids died in residential schools, but they were not only First Nations people. Her school was only about 40% First Nations. She made life long friendships there.
When I first moved to Kamloops, I registered at the site of the old residential school. There was an old graveyard with a few wooden delapitated crosses no names showed on them. I asked why no one was maintaining it. The answer was that First Nations people did not recognize death the way that the white people did not have graveyards. As they were nomadic ( my mother was Mohawk so she wasn’t) they were wrapped in blankets put into a fetal position and honoured.
Then they were laid onto the ground and left with their possessions to return to the earth.
All in all a good book.
Of note. Since I wrote this review, I have been asked by three First Nations people to rate it badly without reading it. And they are all from the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc band in Kamloops.
June 13, 2024
This book is essential reading for every Canadian.
There needs to be accountability for those that spun this blood libel narrative such as Murray Sinclair and Kevin Annett.
Those that uncritically parroted the crazy conspiracies such as media organizations and politicians
And a general rebuke to all Canadians so under educated about their own history to be so thoroughly disinformed.
One gets a 'wag the dog' sense from this saga of political theatre. And all it took is people reading the actual sources to disprove the original sin that Woke activist are trying to graft onto Canada.
Indian residential schools(IRS) were not perfect. Of course not. But one can't help but come to conclusion they did their best and were of their time.
The pre-face should be Thomas Sowell's three questions:
Compared to what?
At what cost?
And what hard evidence do you have.
Evidence is scant for genocide claims.
Compared to reserves or other Indian schools or other Canadian's schools. The residential schools had problems but were improved when these problems were noticed or when it was possible
A TRC of modern school systems would reflect same if not worse situation based on hearsay that was allowed.
There needs to be accountability for those that spun this blood libel narrative such as Murray Sinclair and Kevin Annett.
Those that uncritically parroted the crazy conspiracies such as media organizations and politicians
And a general rebuke to all Canadians so under educated about their own history to be so thoroughly disinformed.
One gets a 'wag the dog' sense from this saga of political theatre. And all it took is people reading the actual sources to disprove the original sin that Woke activist are trying to graft onto Canada.
Indian residential schools(IRS) were not perfect. Of course not. But one can't help but come to conclusion they did their best and were of their time.
The pre-face should be Thomas Sowell's three questions:
Compared to what?
At what cost?
And what hard evidence do you have.
Evidence is scant for genocide claims.
Compared to reserves or other Indian schools or other Canadian's schools. The residential schools had problems but were improved when these problems were noticed or when it was possible
A TRC of modern school systems would reflect same if not worse situation based on hearsay that was allowed.
March 15, 2024
The content contained in the essays presented in this book should be known to all Canadians who care about the truth, and are not getting the whole picture from legacy media, activists, politicians, etc. I really admire the courage, caring & concern that comes across from the various essay authors.
January 4, 2024
Until now, several books have painted a more balanced picture of Canada's Indian residential schools. David Shanahan's "More than Mere Talent: The Jesuit Residential School at Spanish" is a well researched history of the only Indian residential school to be run by the Jesuits. A good companion book is "Indian School Days" by Basil Johnston, who is perhaps Canada's greatest Ojibwe writer. This provides a bittersweet and often humourous firsthand account of what the Jesuit Indian residential school was like. Next there's "Indian Residential Schools: Another Picture" by the Anglican bishop Eric Bays, who actually worked at an Indian residential school in his younger days. A fourth book was "From Truth Comes Reconciliation: An Assessment of the Truth and Reconciliation Report," edited by Rodney A. Clifton and Mark Dewolf. This was perhaps the most comprehensive of them all when it was first published. And finally, "Lonely Death of an Ojibwe Boy" by Robert MacBain provides a factual account of the life of Chanie Wenjack, dispelling the false information found in "Secret Path" and other publications.
Unfortunately, all of these books (except "Lonely Death of an Ojibwe Boy") were published before the Kamloops debacle, which has been called the biggest fake news story in Canadian history.
Thus, we now have the much needed "Grave Error: How the Media Misled us (and the Truth about Residential Schools)." As much as I enjoyed Basil Johnston's memoirs, I will now have to recommend "Grave Error" for people looking for a place to start. Not only is it the only book to expose the "great Canadian burial hoax," but the contributions are so clearly and thoroughly written that they would disarm even the most indoctrinated woke person.
Moreover, the footnotes are so abundant and instructive that I have often had to put down the book to look up this or that article or video, thereby greatly adding to my understanding of the topic at hand.
Unfortunately, all of these books (except "Lonely Death of an Ojibwe Boy") were published before the Kamloops debacle, which has been called the biggest fake news story in Canadian history.
Thus, we now have the much needed "Grave Error: How the Media Misled us (and the Truth about Residential Schools)." As much as I enjoyed Basil Johnston's memoirs, I will now have to recommend "Grave Error" for people looking for a place to start. Not only is it the only book to expose the "great Canadian burial hoax," but the contributions are so clearly and thoroughly written that they would disarm even the most indoctrinated woke person.
Moreover, the footnotes are so abundant and instructive that I have often had to put down the book to look up this or that article or video, thereby greatly adding to my understanding of the topic at hand.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2025
Just an excellent read. It provides a balanced perspective of what is actually known about the Indian residential schools in Canada. Through a number of essays by university professors, lawyers, a judge, journalists, and a residential school worker, the reader learns about the history of the residential schools and how they were run. They also cover the recent claims of unmarked graves. The editors have done a superior job of footnoting everywhere they found their information and much is from excellent resources. Of interest:
* Canada was committed in various treaties to provide the indigenous population with an education.
* a few priests were responsible for writing down, and therefore preserving, some indigenous languages. As far as the evidence we have, the Aboriginals were not allowed to speak their languages in class but could anywhere else. There were indigenous celebrations at the schools and many of the staff learned the indigenous language of the area. In fact, the Oblate nuns were required by their diocese to learn the indigenous language in order to be allowed to teach at a residential school.
* there is a Chronicle written by the Oblate nuns, which has never been officially released, that has the nuns referring to the children as "our dear children" or "our deal little ones" and also refer to the parents in equally positive terms and refer to the parents as those "to whom we owe so much."
* only about 1/3 of indigenous children attended residential schools and their average attendance was 4.5 years. Many indigenous children went to day schools where they returned home each day.
* in 1907 there was a report by the chief medical officer at Indian affairs criticizing the state of the residential schools and their defective sanitary conditions. By 1911, the government signed a new funding arrangement with significant increases in the budget for indigenous schools and tougher building standards for residential schools, outlining ventilation and air space requirements, etc.
* TB was/is unfortunately a disease to which the indigenous population is highly susceptible, with the rate of infection at 40 times higher than the general population
* certain criticisms of excess death and lack of funding during certain periods don't take into account the 1918/19 Spanish influenza and the Second World War. (more my observation than theirs)
* the essay by the residential school worker who married an indigenous Siksika woman is particularly interesting. He worked at two residential schools and shares his experience at both.
* The Truth and Reconciliation Report tended to pick and choose what they wished to present
* The First Nations people have been monetarily compensated 23 billion dollars for the claims of the treatment in Residential schools. The payments went to both those in Residential schools and Day schools. A further 49 billion dollars have been awarded for long term reforms. And I just read another 20 billion dollars will compensate for inadequate child welfare. (this information is from the book and other recent settlements) So basically nearly 1 trillion dollars in total.
And pertaining to the Kamloops accusation of unmarked grave sites and mass murders of children, and also with regard to similar accusations in Canada:
* to this day, there have been no grave sites discovered
* there was an excavation in Saskatchewan with regard to graves which found nothing (I remember seeing the chief's report on the findings and he seemed disappointed)
* at the Kamloops site, there had already been excavations done in the area prior to the "graves" accusation and nothing had been found
* the RCMP tried to investigate and Kamloops Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc band became upset with them and told them to leave. They had "Knowledge Keepers" who knew what had happened and that was all the evidence they needed. To this day, nothing has been investigated or discovered and now it is reasonably thought (with other investigation) that the "graves" are actually ground anomalies from an old septic field. Here is a website with photos and some interesting information: https://gravesintheorchard.wordpress.com
* while Europeans buried their dead in marked graves and kept up their cemeteries, the indigenous practice with regard to death is completely different. They do not "tend" graves. The upkeep of cemeteries was taken from the church and given over to the native population at some point and as soon as that happened, the gravesites went into disrepair. This discrepancy in cultures completely explains any "unmarked graves"
These are only a few of the points that resonated with me. I'll finished with the last paragraph of the residential school worker's essay, which is one of the most truthful claims that I've read:
"Finally, the mainstream media should confirm the claims of missing and possibly murdered Indigenous children, before publishing such stories about Indian Residential Schools. Similarly, Canadian officials, especially the Prime Minister and Governor General, should verify what was claimed before lowering the Canadian flag and proclaiming that these claims are true. A democracy cannot function without a commitment to truth by governments, their officials, and the news media. Truth, and its verification, must be re-established as a fundamental value for Canada. Without truth, I fear that we will not have an honest and fair reconciliation."
* Canada was committed in various treaties to provide the indigenous population with an education.
* a few priests were responsible for writing down, and therefore preserving, some indigenous languages. As far as the evidence we have, the Aboriginals were not allowed to speak their languages in class but could anywhere else. There were indigenous celebrations at the schools and many of the staff learned the indigenous language of the area. In fact, the Oblate nuns were required by their diocese to learn the indigenous language in order to be allowed to teach at a residential school.
* there is a Chronicle written by the Oblate nuns, which has never been officially released, that has the nuns referring to the children as "our dear children" or "our deal little ones" and also refer to the parents in equally positive terms and refer to the parents as those "to whom we owe so much."
* only about 1/3 of indigenous children attended residential schools and their average attendance was 4.5 years. Many indigenous children went to day schools where they returned home each day.
* in 1907 there was a report by the chief medical officer at Indian affairs criticizing the state of the residential schools and their defective sanitary conditions. By 1911, the government signed a new funding arrangement with significant increases in the budget for indigenous schools and tougher building standards for residential schools, outlining ventilation and air space requirements, etc.
* TB was/is unfortunately a disease to which the indigenous population is highly susceptible, with the rate of infection at 40 times higher than the general population
* certain criticisms of excess death and lack of funding during certain periods don't take into account the 1918/19 Spanish influenza and the Second World War. (more my observation than theirs)
* the essay by the residential school worker who married an indigenous Siksika woman is particularly interesting. He worked at two residential schools and shares his experience at both.
* The Truth and Reconciliation Report tended to pick and choose what they wished to present
* The First Nations people have been monetarily compensated 23 billion dollars for the claims of the treatment in Residential schools. The payments went to both those in Residential schools and Day schools. A further 49 billion dollars have been awarded for long term reforms. And I just read another 20 billion dollars will compensate for inadequate child welfare. (this information is from the book and other recent settlements) So basically nearly 1 trillion dollars in total.
And pertaining to the Kamloops accusation of unmarked grave sites and mass murders of children, and also with regard to similar accusations in Canada:
* to this day, there have been no grave sites discovered
* there was an excavation in Saskatchewan with regard to graves which found nothing (I remember seeing the chief's report on the findings and he seemed disappointed)
* at the Kamloops site, there had already been excavations done in the area prior to the "graves" accusation and nothing had been found
* the RCMP tried to investigate and Kamloops Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc band became upset with them and told them to leave. They had "Knowledge Keepers" who knew what had happened and that was all the evidence they needed. To this day, nothing has been investigated or discovered and now it is reasonably thought (with other investigation) that the "graves" are actually ground anomalies from an old septic field. Here is a website with photos and some interesting information: https://gravesintheorchard.wordpress.com
* while Europeans buried their dead in marked graves and kept up their cemeteries, the indigenous practice with regard to death is completely different. They do not "tend" graves. The upkeep of cemeteries was taken from the church and given over to the native population at some point and as soon as that happened, the gravesites went into disrepair. This discrepancy in cultures completely explains any "unmarked graves"
These are only a few of the points that resonated with me. I'll finished with the last paragraph of the residential school worker's essay, which is one of the most truthful claims that I've read:
"Finally, the mainstream media should confirm the claims of missing and possibly murdered Indigenous children, before publishing such stories about Indian Residential Schools. Similarly, Canadian officials, especially the Prime Minister and Governor General, should verify what was claimed before lowering the Canadian flag and proclaiming that these claims are true. A democracy cannot function without a commitment to truth by governments, their officials, and the news media. Truth, and its verification, must be re-established as a fundamental value for Canada. Without truth, I fear that we will not have an honest and fair reconciliation."
March 23, 2024
It's a political tome of a certain ideology and, surprise, surprise, edited by a noted political thinker of the same ideology. The different selections do not offer much new information or study, they are almost all 100% commentary and criticism and their arguments invariably downplay any negative view of Residential Schools. I find this curiously disingenuous considering that during the times studied there is literally no institution in the Western World that was not abusive to the young people they had in their care, especially if the children involved were from poor or marginalized families. Why should the Canadian Residential Schools be somehow miraculously better?? Hint: they probably weren't.
The biggest criticism of the recent Residential School situation is that we really don't know enough about what happened and that is also one of the biggest criticisms of the Residential School system itself. If their standards of care was as bad, as mysterious and hidden, as their record keeping and communication, then it must have been bad indeed. Hint 2: it probably was bad.
The biggest criticism of the recent Residential School situation is that we really don't know enough about what happened and that is also one of the biggest criticisms of the Residential School system itself. If their standards of care was as bad, as mysterious and hidden, as their record keeping and communication, then it must have been bad indeed. Hint 2: it probably was bad.
February 3, 2024
Grave Error is, as suggested by another reviewer, essential reading, not only by Canadians but also NY Times followers. The book is nothing but facts. There is no politically partisan or "biased" content as alleged in Jack Rousseau's review. Rousseau's review is absurd nonsense. This is an excellent book and a source of facts not being communicated by legacy media.
May 25, 2024
I approached this book with more than a little trepidation. I read all the 1 star reviews, I watched an Indigenous elder on TV emotionally describing the book as being filled with "racism and hatred", I researched the organization that published it. I had no desire to read or support some crazy alt-right conspiracy-laden rant. Despite my caution, I needed to try and get another side of the IRS story, as I have been deeply troubled by the events of the last three years, by having my parents, grandparents and their whole generation accused and convicted of "genocide" without any proof being offered, just "anomalies" and shocking stories. This book offered a breath of fresh air, a confirmation that others share my concern.
There is not one whiff of racism or hatred in this book that I could find. It is a well researched (there is barely a paragraph in it that does not contain a footnote with references) and calmly argued investigation into the wild claims that have been made about the Indian Residential School system. Much of the hysteria I have heard on the news in the past three years reminds me of the "satanic cult" daycare scandals of the 80's and 90's - lives and reputations ruined based just on wild claims with no evidence. "Believe the Children!" they said at the time...well children sometimes tell stories, especially when "encouraged". Grave Error in no way denies that in a system like the IRS there were bound to be some abuses and mismanagement, but this is true of any large institution in that day and age (British boarding schools, Irish orphanages etc). The IRS system was certainly not perfect, but that doesn't make it "genocidal". I found the book treats Indigenous people and their culture with respect and sensitivity, but it doesn't let that keep it from presenting cold, hard facts. If anyone finds racism or hatred in this book, it is because they need to find it, whether it is there or not.
I will say that the book is a bit bloated - each chapter is written by a different author and it can be repetitive in its presentation of facts and could have done with a better editing job to tighten it up. Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed it and it highly recommend it - don't be scared to read it, you should be skeptical about most of what you have heard about this book, just like most of what you have heard about "mass graves" and "genocide".
There is not one whiff of racism or hatred in this book that I could find. It is a well researched (there is barely a paragraph in it that does not contain a footnote with references) and calmly argued investigation into the wild claims that have been made about the Indian Residential School system. Much of the hysteria I have heard on the news in the past three years reminds me of the "satanic cult" daycare scandals of the 80's and 90's - lives and reputations ruined based just on wild claims with no evidence. "Believe the Children!" they said at the time...well children sometimes tell stories, especially when "encouraged". Grave Error in no way denies that in a system like the IRS there were bound to be some abuses and mismanagement, but this is true of any large institution in that day and age (British boarding schools, Irish orphanages etc). The IRS system was certainly not perfect, but that doesn't make it "genocidal". I found the book treats Indigenous people and their culture with respect and sensitivity, but it doesn't let that keep it from presenting cold, hard facts. If anyone finds racism or hatred in this book, it is because they need to find it, whether it is there or not.
I will say that the book is a bit bloated - each chapter is written by a different author and it can be repetitive in its presentation of facts and could have done with a better editing job to tighten it up. Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed it and it highly recommend it - don't be scared to read it, you should be skeptical about most of what you have heard about this book, just like most of what you have heard about "mass graves" and "genocide".
May 3, 2024
This publication is filled with false and hate-based interpretations - it is propaganda from Canada's ultra right community, picking tidbits of information to grossly misinterpret them while promoting the conservative hate movement. The forward by Conrad Black, the association with True North, and its recommendation by the Frazer Institute all reflect on the author's objective to promote white supremacy - hatred and violence against First Nations communities. It completely lacks scholarly value, is intentionally unethical and misleading, and created to promote ignorance, division, and political chaos.
April 24, 2024
This is a collection of essays by different authors so there is some repetition of basic facts and each author brings a different perspective to the issues raised.
They all point out many mitigating factors that seem to have been ignored by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and not brought forward in their report. Media has been quick to quote and condemn without doing basic research in the TRC charges and covering the entire story.
They all point out many mitigating factors that seem to have been ignored by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and not brought forward in their report. Media has been quick to quote and condemn without doing basic research in the TRC charges and covering the entire story.
June 27, 2024
Honest facts to counter dubious stories
This book is a must read for anyone who wants a fuller picture of the Indian Residential School (IRS) system in Canada. The sensational stories that resulted in accusations of genocide and murder are clearly shown to be, at best, exaggerations and, at worst, deliberate untruths. This is a topic that rouses intense emotions in many; the cold hard truth of facts should help to calm those fires and set the stage for informed discussion about the IRS, something that is desperately needed.
This book is a must read for anyone who wants a fuller picture of the Indian Residential School (IRS) system in Canada. The sensational stories that resulted in accusations of genocide and murder are clearly shown to be, at best, exaggerations and, at worst, deliberate untruths. This is a topic that rouses intense emotions in many; the cold hard truth of facts should help to calm those fires and set the stage for informed discussion about the IRS, something that is desperately needed.
April 21, 2024
Every Canadian should read this book.
Read
June 7, 2024Bad as this was, it is worthy of a more expansive deconstruction than an off the cuff Goodreads review. So keep your eyes peeled for that in coming weeks.
July 26, 2024
It is unfortunate that this book even needs to be produced. If we could surrender any trust to the state funded media in Canada there would be no need for essays and articles to be collected in this way. With that being said - I think that anyone wishing to be well informed should take the time to reflect on these few collected papers; irrespective of your existing bias.
It is aggravating to see the Canadian government use any people group as a pawn for social or political maneuvering; but it is clear this continues to be the case.
It is starkly evident that we will see no healing or resolution without boldly moving in the direction of quantifiable truth in humility. We must not allow ourselves to be manipulated by the governing and media class and simply invest our energies in caring about our neighbours well.
“If we are to accept that reconciliation cannot occur without truth, wild accusations must be examined critically. In order to develop evidence-based policy, we need to enter into honest discussions to find out what actually happened…” [p.130]
“None of this is to suggest that the people who reside in First Nations communities do not have many legitimate grievances, or that many people were not harmed in residential schools. The concerns are real, the harm is real, and both must be addressed. However, believing stories that are not true does none of that.” [p.202]
“Canadians must learn to appreciate their history as it actually happened, regardless of whether that proves narratively or politically convenient.” [p.272]
It is aggravating to see the Canadian government use any people group as a pawn for social or political maneuvering; but it is clear this continues to be the case.
It is starkly evident that we will see no healing or resolution without boldly moving in the direction of quantifiable truth in humility. We must not allow ourselves to be manipulated by the governing and media class and simply invest our energies in caring about our neighbours well.
“If we are to accept that reconciliation cannot occur without truth, wild accusations must be examined critically. In order to develop evidence-based policy, we need to enter into honest discussions to find out what actually happened…” [p.130]
“None of this is to suggest that the people who reside in First Nations communities do not have many legitimate grievances, or that many people were not harmed in residential schools. The concerns are real, the harm is real, and both must be addressed. However, believing stories that are not true does none of that.” [p.202]
“Canadians must learn to appreciate their history as it actually happened, regardless of whether that proves narratively or politically convenient.” [p.272]
May 13, 2024
A useful read and a courageous effort by the authors exposing themselves to ridicule in search of the truth. Some will say their truth.
And to look for factual evidence supporting the abhorrent allegations or exposing nonsense.
Few approach this subject (most subjects?) with an open mind.
What we learn from history is we don’t learn from history. While too many people wallow in yesterday, too few pull up their socks, accept what was and drive forward to make what can be, a reality.
I’ve always liked the quote attributed to john wayne - life is hard and it’s harder if you are stupid.
I’m trying not to be stupid. Now that is hard!
And to look for factual evidence supporting the abhorrent allegations or exposing nonsense.
Few approach this subject (most subjects?) with an open mind.
What we learn from history is we don’t learn from history. While too many people wallow in yesterday, too few pull up their socks, accept what was and drive forward to make what can be, a reality.
I’ve always liked the quote attributed to john wayne - life is hard and it’s harder if you are stupid.
I’m trying not to be stupid. Now that is hard!
July 2, 2024
Not what I expected. I had to stop reading this book as it was the opposite of what I expected it to be when I took it out of the library. Be sure to read the description before reading it
April 5, 2025
“Grave Error” provides a well documented view of the other side of the Indian resident schools story- a must read for any hardworking Canadian taxpayer.
The facts and queries that the “Aboriginal Industry” does not want you to know.
The facts are that no single body has been excavated from the alleged “unmarked mass graves”- in spite of millions of dollars spent from the taxpayers money. There is no record of children disappearing mysteriously, noting that the schools kept meticulously its records as they were funded for every single student. The fact that the residential schools have tried to do the best for the under served indigenous population within the limitations of its times!
The indigenous population in Canada has increased from its original two hundred thousands to almost two million, thanks in part to better health and education funded by the government and executed by Christian missions. Is this “genocide”?!
In this era of unprecedented challenges to Canada, isn’t it time to wake up from the ‘Mason Verger’ woke status?!
The facts and queries that the “Aboriginal Industry” does not want you to know.
The facts are that no single body has been excavated from the alleged “unmarked mass graves”- in spite of millions of dollars spent from the taxpayers money. There is no record of children disappearing mysteriously, noting that the schools kept meticulously its records as they were funded for every single student. The fact that the residential schools have tried to do the best for the under served indigenous population within the limitations of its times!
The indigenous population in Canada has increased from its original two hundred thousands to almost two million, thanks in part to better health and education funded by the government and executed by Christian missions. Is this “genocide”?!
In this era of unprecedented challenges to Canada, isn’t it time to wake up from the ‘Mason Verger’ woke status?!
November 17, 2024
Wow, just wow! I think every Canadian should read this book, with an open mind.
After reading the introduction, I thought, "I doubt that I will agree with everything this book says."
I was one of those mostly taken in by the misinformation that's available in the media. But this book takes sound research and statistics to correct that misinformation. Here's one quote from the book (sorry I wrote it down without noting the page number): "Most native children did not go to residential schools. And most of those who did were not there by force. In fact, some students were there at the express demands of their parents, who were prepared to fight to keep the schools open."
Read the book. It's eye-opening.
After reading the introduction, I thought, "I doubt that I will agree with everything this book says."
I was one of those mostly taken in by the misinformation that's available in the media. But this book takes sound research and statistics to correct that misinformation. Here's one quote from the book (sorry I wrote it down without noting the page number): "Most native children did not go to residential schools. And most of those who did were not there by force. In fact, some students were there at the express demands of their parents, who were prepared to fight to keep the schools open."
Read the book. It's eye-opening.
July 14, 2024
Every Canadian should read this book. This “truth bomb” will certainly ruffle plenty of feathers, but understanding how the media fanned the flames of this bewildering episode of madness of crowds is crucial. Given the compendium nature of this collection, some repetition is understandable, but does make it drag in some sections. Regardless, it does highlight that real reconciliation requires truth. Blatant disregard for facts and data undermine genuine efforts in this regard. Interestingly, a modest walk-back of some of the pronouncements of three years ago is now underway.
June 8, 2025
The book is a collection of publications on the same topic. I found the information to be too repetitive. After reading the first chapter I did not gleam very much new information from any of the additional chapters.
August 28, 2024
Slow read as lots of repetitive information but it is information that everyone should know. Media has been very biased
October 2, 2024
A thoughtful collection of well researched essays concerning Canadian Residential Schools. A must read for any Canadian interested in actual Truth and Reconciliation.
October 16, 2024
A bit repetitive, but seriously worth the read. So revealing of how quickly narratives can take off without evidence.
December 17, 2024
The first half of this book had my attention and focus, the last half was repetitive study after study which was a bit boring. It gets the message across and that message is important to consider.
November 25, 2024
Probably the most important book I've read this year.
This collection of essays and papers lays out the history of residential schools, which were established, along with day schools, as a treaty obligation demanded by natives from the government of Canada so that their children would be taught English and various skills so they could integrate into the modern world.
About half the book teaches the reader about the history of the schools, and compares the conditions of the schools with general conditions in the country and on reserves. Many myths that have become gospel in the just few years are exploded. This includes attendance numbers, forced attendance, health conditions, etc.
The other half of the book explicitly debunks the story of "probable graves" filled with murdered, missing children, and it does so very effectively, primarily because none of the so called graves discovered by radar imaging have been graves. None. Media reports of human remains being found in mass graves were pure fiction. The story of "missing" children also seems no have no basis in fact.
The multi-author book lays out the evidence from multiple angles to provide a relatively comprehensive introduction to the historical record of the schools and their function, and how some relatively simple investigation upends the stories and "knowings" that have buried the truth.
This collection of essays and papers lays out the history of residential schools, which were established, along with day schools, as a treaty obligation demanded by natives from the government of Canada so that their children would be taught English and various skills so they could integrate into the modern world.
About half the book teaches the reader about the history of the schools, and compares the conditions of the schools with general conditions in the country and on reserves. Many myths that have become gospel in the just few years are exploded. This includes attendance numbers, forced attendance, health conditions, etc.
The other half of the book explicitly debunks the story of "probable graves" filled with murdered, missing children, and it does so very effectively, primarily because none of the so called graves discovered by radar imaging have been graves. None. Media reports of human remains being found in mass graves were pure fiction. The story of "missing" children also seems no have no basis in fact.
The multi-author book lays out the evidence from multiple angles to provide a relatively comprehensive introduction to the historical record of the schools and their function, and how some relatively simple investigation upends the stories and "knowings" that have buried the truth.
June 25, 2024
Well I feel quite a bit different about the Indians and the narrative we have been fed for several years.
The thing I liked best about this book is that they showed both sides of the story and then explained why they felt one side was right or wrong.
I did not know only 1/4 of the Indians attended residential school and that the average years they attended was 4 & 1/2 years or that when the government attempted to close some of the residential schools some Indians protested to keep it open.
These are stories the mainstream media has not told us and because of that and many other examples I realize we only know what they want us to believe.
For instance not 1 body has been found in the Kamloops residential school and yet the mainstream media has not making that known.
Why??
The thing I liked best about this book is that they showed both sides of the story and then explained why they felt one side was right or wrong.
I did not know only 1/4 of the Indians attended residential school and that the average years they attended was 4 & 1/2 years or that when the government attempted to close some of the residential schools some Indians protested to keep it open.
These are stories the mainstream media has not told us and because of that and many other examples I realize we only know what they want us to believe.
For instance not 1 body has been found in the Kamloops residential school and yet the mainstream media has not making that known.
Why??
June 18, 2025
Good arguments. I am sad that dishonest activists and media have brought lies and unsubstantiated 'truths' into what should be a carefully explained sad circumstance in Canada. To turn the entire Residential School system, indeed, all school systems, into horror shows is a real disservice. Few people will ever know the truth behind the school system and the actual harms and good they brought. Awareness is a wonderful thing, but when you sensationalize things, they become social weapons.
June 15, 2024
Excellent resource for the history of Indian Residential Schools in Canada.
Admittedly repetitive as many of the chapters are from articles written independently of this book.
Admittedly repetitive as many of the chapters are from articles written independently of this book.
February 4, 2024
The book raises a lot of questions but doesn't offer any satisfying answers. At least I doubt it will satisfy anyone capable of critical thought. The only people who will be satisfied are those who want their bias confirmed. Personally, I used this as an opportunity to review the facts around this issue. I'm sure there are many books written on the subject (ideally better researched than this one) but if you're looking for something more concise I strongly encourage you to read the Canadian Encyclopedia article. I learned more from this brief article than I learned from this bloated book.
Here are some highlights:
Apparently, children were removed from their homes, often by force, and forbidden to speak their first language. This amounts to a cultural genocide, and was part of a broader strategy to impose assimilation.
Apparently, there were sexual predators among the staff, and many students were sexually abused. The inadequate response of officials reminds me that for many years Catholic priests molested youths elsewhere, and for many years went unpunished (in fact they were protected by the church).
Apparently, the churches and federal government kept bad records of the number of deaths. As a result, we know that at least 3,200 children died, but the actual number of deaths is probably more than 6,000. I'm reminded of the Holocaust, how the Nazis attempted to destroy the records of their crimes, and how that led to speculation around the number of Jews killed (at least 4.5 million, but probably more than 6 million).
I've made a point of highlighting these three points because this book claims they are "either totally false or grossly exaggerated". Needless to say, the book's claim is itself totally false and greatly exaggerated.
So why was this book written? Why, when we have the records and we know what happened, is this tragedy being called into question? Why are the authors denying what is apparent? I can only speculate that they belong to that misguided demographic who want to Make Canada Great Again but rather than put any effort into making Canada greater, they want to revive tradition by rejecting modernism. If you belong to this demographic, then I encourage you to be critical and "do your own research" (as you're so fond of telling me).
End of the day, if you're still torn between one side (a poorly-researched, overtly-biased, independently-published book) and the other side (Canadian Encyclopedia, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, etc.) then I strongly encourage you to speak to an Indigenous person who experienced a residential school firsthand. Speak to anyone who will speak to you, and if you can't find anyone who will speak to you then please consider watching some of the firsthand accounts from the Our Stories…Our Strength video collection .
Here are some highlights:
Apparently, children were removed from their homes, often by force, and forbidden to speak their first language. This amounts to a cultural genocide, and was part of a broader strategy to impose assimilation.
Apparently, there were sexual predators among the staff, and many students were sexually abused. The inadequate response of officials reminds me that for many years Catholic priests molested youths elsewhere, and for many years went unpunished (in fact they were protected by the church).
Apparently, the churches and federal government kept bad records of the number of deaths. As a result, we know that at least 3,200 children died, but the actual number of deaths is probably more than 6,000. I'm reminded of the Holocaust, how the Nazis attempted to destroy the records of their crimes, and how that led to speculation around the number of Jews killed (at least 4.5 million, but probably more than 6 million).
I've made a point of highlighting these three points because this book claims they are "either totally false or grossly exaggerated". Needless to say, the book's claim is itself totally false and greatly exaggerated.
So why was this book written? Why, when we have the records and we know what happened, is this tragedy being called into question? Why are the authors denying what is apparent? I can only speculate that they belong to that misguided demographic who want to Make Canada Great Again but rather than put any effort into making Canada greater, they want to revive tradition by rejecting modernism. If you belong to this demographic, then I encourage you to be critical and "do your own research" (as you're so fond of telling me).
End of the day, if you're still torn between one side (a poorly-researched, overtly-biased, independently-published book) and the other side (Canadian Encyclopedia, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, etc.) then I strongly encourage you to speak to an Indigenous person who experienced a residential school firsthand. Speak to anyone who will speak to you, and if you can't find anyone who will speak to you then please consider watching some of the firsthand accounts from the Our Stories…Our Strength video collection .
June 12, 2024
An important book in that it sets the record straight on the residential schools graves issue. This is an amazing story of how disinformation can be built up by general hysteria, fueled by the politicians and the press.
Prior to 1990, the record for the residential schools was favorable with many natives crediting their success to their attendance. In 1990, Phil Fontaine claimed he had suffered sexual abuse at the school. Since then there has been an avalanche of claims of mistreatment, and stories of children being killed and buried in unmarked graves.
The 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission variously spoke of 2800 or 4200 children that were sent to residential schools, but not returned to their parents. However, the residential schools kept registers of all students and all deaths were recorded. the TRC did not make the effort to examine all records, calling many of the students nameless. Private researchers have done the detailed work and shown that all students are accounted for. While there are records of complaints about harsh discipline, there is no record of any parent suggesting missing children.
In 2021, the chief of the Kamloops tribe claimed that ground-penetrating radar had revealed the existence of 215 unmarked graves. The researcher who did the survey cautioned that many excavations had been done in the area, and the results did not necessarily indicate graves. Since the claim, no attempt has been made to excavate and the RCMP's investigation was stopped by the federal government. The only excavation to date was at the Pine Creek Residential School - no bodies were found.
Only 30% ??? of Indian children attended residential schools; a large fraction attended day schools and many attended no schools at all. Many parents felt the residential schools to be the best prospect for their children. On the other hand, many children came from broken families which could not properly raise them.
It is noted that traditionally the Indians did not mark graves, and Christian burials often used a wooden cross. Over time, cemeteries have often degraded, leaving known graves unmarked.
While many students did die in the schools, the death rate was no higher than that of the rest of the native population. TB was rampant, and new students often bought it into the schools. Efforts to improve the health of the students did result in improved health, as it did for the general population.
Neither the media or the politicians - notably Justin Trudeau - questioned these stories. The resultant hysteria has done anything but bring truth and reconciliation.
Prior to 1990, the record for the residential schools was favorable with many natives crediting their success to their attendance. In 1990, Phil Fontaine claimed he had suffered sexual abuse at the school. Since then there has been an avalanche of claims of mistreatment, and stories of children being killed and buried in unmarked graves.
The 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission variously spoke of 2800 or 4200 children that were sent to residential schools, but not returned to their parents. However, the residential schools kept registers of all students and all deaths were recorded. the TRC did not make the effort to examine all records, calling many of the students nameless. Private researchers have done the detailed work and shown that all students are accounted for. While there are records of complaints about harsh discipline, there is no record of any parent suggesting missing children.
In 2021, the chief of the Kamloops tribe claimed that ground-penetrating radar had revealed the existence of 215 unmarked graves. The researcher who did the survey cautioned that many excavations had been done in the area, and the results did not necessarily indicate graves. Since the claim, no attempt has been made to excavate and the RCMP's investigation was stopped by the federal government. The only excavation to date was at the Pine Creek Residential School - no bodies were found.
Only 30% ??? of Indian children attended residential schools; a large fraction attended day schools and many attended no schools at all. Many parents felt the residential schools to be the best prospect for their children. On the other hand, many children came from broken families which could not properly raise them.
It is noted that traditionally the Indians did not mark graves, and Christian burials often used a wooden cross. Over time, cemeteries have often degraded, leaving known graves unmarked.
While many students did die in the schools, the death rate was no higher than that of the rest of the native population. TB was rampant, and new students often bought it into the schools. Efforts to improve the health of the students did result in improved health, as it did for the general population.
Neither the media or the politicians - notably Justin Trudeau - questioned these stories. The resultant hysteria has done anything but bring truth and reconciliation.
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