Reconciling History: A Story of Canada

by Jody Wilson-Raybould, Roshan Danesh

From the #1 national bestselling author of 'Indian' in the Cabinet and True Reconciliation, a truly unique history of our land—powerful, devastating, remarkable—as told through the voices of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The totem pole forms the foundation for this unique and important oral history of Canada. Its goal is both toweringly ambitious and beautifully To tell the story of this country in a way that prompts readers to look from different angles, to see its dimensions, its curves, and its cuts. To see that history has an arc, just as the totem pole rises, but to realize that it is also in the details along the way that important meanings are to be found. To recognize that the story of the past is always there to be retold and recast, and must be conveyed to generations to come. That in the act of re-telling, meaning is found, and strength is built.

When it comes to telling the history of Canada, and in particular the history of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, we need to accept that the way in which our history has traditionally been told has not been a common or shared enterprise. In many ways, it has been an exclusive and siloed one. Among the countless peoples and groups that make up this vast country, the voices and experiences of a few have too often dominated those of many others.

Reconciling History shares voices that have seldom been heard, and in this ground-breaking book they are telling and re-telling history from their perspectives. Born out of the oral history in True Reconciliation, and complemented throughout with stunning photography and art, Reconciling History takes this approach to telling our collective story to an entirely different level.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Indigenous, Canada, Audiobook, Historical, Indigenous History

368 pages, Hardcover

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the structure of the book and getting so many quotes from various perspectives in each time period. All History / Social Studies teachers should read this!

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Canadians should read this book.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read. The audiobook production is excellent with the full cast!

Thank you to the publisher via Libro.fm for my copy!

[Alice Tremblay]

This was interesting because of the variety of testimonies it assembled, but also was sometimes a bit repetitive and meandering. I did really enjoy listening to it as an audiobook, especially with all the different narrators, and I learned some new things about Canadian history and the fight for indigenous rights!

[Vanesa V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book with lots of unique stories and perspectives. Shoutout to the creation stories, which were especially memorable. It’s packed with important info that every Canadian should know.

That said, it’s similar to True Reconciliation by the same author, so if you’re pressed for time, you can pick whichever one tickles your fancy more. Either way, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding.

[Lolz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The creation stories ❤️❤️❤️
This is a timeline that Canadians need to know.
I enjoy how each of Jodi Wilson’s books have their own unique personalities and purpose.

[Brittin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so much respect for Jody Wilson-Raybould and will read anything she writes. That being said, I don't think this style of book spoke to me, but I always try to show up with an open heart and mind to learn and unlearn. It's very interesting to see what colonial settler mindsets came up for me while listening. Decolonisation is a life long way of being I am continuing to build.

"Have courage, be willing to be uncomfortable, and recognize that every contribution to shaping a more just future for Canada is a valuable and needed contribution. Building our future takes all of us, we need you, we need us. Together we walk."

Audiobook: 8h 55m

[Cecilia East · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 ⭐️ (Overall)

Canada has a long and complex history, this book provided a comprehensive but condensed history on Indigenous culture and Colonialism. I think this is an important and frankly most likely an uncomfortable topic that most Canadians should read up on.

[Nikolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and important book. Need to work together to make this beautiful country on turtle island better for everyone. JWR did it again with this book

[Enid Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful exploration of our collective history told through “quotes” come from historical documents - treaties, speeches, writings, proclamations, etc. A great primer for anyone who is just starting out on their own personal journey of understanding and reconciliation.

This knitting together is quite craftily accomplished. I appreciated the organisational framework - using a journey up a totem pole to define the different aspects as we move through time.

I wish the publisher had sprung to print some - many - of the photos in colour. Black and white does many a great dis-service.

[Kristina A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a settler working toward decolonization, and through this process, I have found tremendous healing in Indigenous culture. Never once have I felt like an enemy; I have always been received with appreciation when attending events or ceremonies open to me.

I want to begin by thanking all Indigenous communities for sharing their teachings. This book, out of all the ones I’ve read, is by far the most comprehensive retelling of history, told in an honest and direct way that is deeply embodied by love. It serves as evidence that all their actions were aligned with their beliefs, and to this day, they continue to advocate not just for themselves but for all of us.

I stand with Indigenous communities across the world in the fight to end colonialism and ongoing genocide. I stand with their beliefs, teachings, and culture. I hope more settlers come to see that this isn’t a fight to take anything away from them or an act of “payback” but a fight for the equality and justice we all desire.

More than ever, as politicians reveal their true colors and the flaws of this colonial machine become evident, we are being called to question the systems that have benefited some at the expense of others. White people must recognize that being pushed away from privilege is not a loss but an opportunity to create a more just and equitable world. Indigenous rights and resurgence are not something to fear but something to embrace. By leaning into these rights, we can collectively dismantle harmful structures, heal historical wounds, and build a future rooted in respect, reciprocity, and shared humanity.

Vote for Nature!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book tells the history of Canada through the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, using first person accounts and primary sources. It starts from before Europeans came to what became Canada, and life for Indigenous Peoples then. It then takes us through the history of their relationship until present day.
The description calls this “a truly unique history of our land.” Perhaps, this should not be a unique book, in that more Indigenous voices should be included in the history of Canada.
The history of the relationship between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people in Canada is certainly complex and often tragic. We’ve learned more in recent years about how Indigenous people were treated in Canada, for example at residential schools. While I know work is being done towards reconciliation, I was surprised at how hopeful this book was for the present and future. The authors speak to the voices of Indigenous people being heard and being part of telling the story, and engaging, and leading, in many areas of Canadian culture such as politics, sports, business, academics, arts, and more. And more and more Canadians being enagaged in the work of reconciliation every day.
Jody-Wilson Raybould, a fromer Canadian politician and Indigenous herself, writes: “We are at a moment where, for the first time, the future of Canada is truly being discussed by all of us, with Indigenous people at the table, and grappling with what that means. Today and onwards, we are finally beginning to do what should have been done in 1867. We are trying to collectively form a nation that includes the First Peoples of this land.”

[Signey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The history of Canada is long and complicated, so I believe that this book is an important read in order to help gain a better understanding of all the harm that Indigenous peoples experienced due to the white colonizers. I have read several Indigenous non-fiction books but I still learn more with each book I pick up. And with this book, I did appreciate the quotes from the Indigenous peoples and the non-Indigenous peoples - it truly gave impact to what the Indigenous peoples have experienced (and continue to experience) and how racist the Canadian government can be. However, each section in the book relies heavily on a series of quotes with short passages that connects the quote. And after some sections, I was left wanting more and wishing it was a little longer in order to include some more analysis.

[Michael McClenaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reconciling History reframes Canada’s story through the structure of a totem pole, elevating Indigenous voices alongside others to foster deeper understanding and a shared sense of purpose. It serves as both a historical redress and a hopeful call to action—inviting all Canadians to engage meaningfully in the ongoing work of reconciliation.

This was a necessary, though difficult, read. I appreciated the honest retelling of history, especially the inclusion of perspectives from colonizers and those who actively caused harm to Indigenous peoples. While it confronts Canada’s dark past, it also offers hope for a better future. Highly recommended.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I like the overall structure of pairing the totem elements of the Musgamagw Dzawada̱ʼenux̱w to the sections of the book - I was disappointed with my reading of Reconciling History. It felt mostly like a series of quotes thrown together under a somewhat appropriate heading - but without enough context to make the connections compelling. The last section, "Thunderbird" seemed to be the most cohesive - but I think that was more due to how recent the quotes were. Most of the quotations and the speakers are well-known, due to so much recent news coverage of MMIWG2S, residential schools and reconciliation.

[Gemington · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW: colonization, racism, genocide, sexual abuse, abuse, child abuse, child abduction, inhumane conditions, legal manipulation, broken treaties

This book is a quote quilt of voices, primarily Indigenous, describing history and reconciliation. The result is a series of braided snapshot of major issues and events in the political and cultural history of Canadian colonialism and evolving Canadian laws. The main metaphor is of the totem pole and the interconnections between different members in treaty or common relations. The quotes are powerful, thoughtful, and reflect a variety of perspectives and contexts largely absent but acknowledged in this text.

[lindsay.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! The history of Canada told through an Indigenous lens, mostly using  excerpts from original source material such as speeches, letters written by public figures, laws, etc. I can't believe how much this opened my eyes - there were lots of things I remembered hearing about in school history class (i.e. the creation of the Canadian constitution, the Meech lake accord, the Oka crisis) but many more details were provided about the impacts on the Indigenous population. I also learned a lot more about land treaties, which I was quite ignorant of until reading this book. I'm a little ashamed at how much of this information was new to me, but thank goodness books like this exist! 

[Stephanie Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how this was set out but wish it was a little longer and there was more analysis. Each chapter relies entirely on a series of quotes wit a few sentences stringing them together. In retrospect, it makes sense that both authors are lawyers, since it feels a lot like a legal document with that framing. It also feels like these are designed to be shared online. It was generalky very interesting and depressing at the same time, partixularly as it feels like not a lot has changed over the years from the 20th century to now.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is more compiled than written. It’s structured from a series of quotes that show the mindset of the many people involved in the long and varied history of relations between indigenous peoples and the government of Canada. It’s a powerful and important document.

We will never learn to get along if we don’t understand each other.

I learned a lot. The creation stories were interesting.

I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand the indigenous experience in Canada and isn’t afraid of some unpleasant truths.

[Kotarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny I should be finishing this on Canada flag day. I think the history of Canada is long and complicated, and this was a wonderful condensed history. I feel this is the foundational to many pieces of my ancestry and how conflicting it is. Got me to think about how our country is doing as a whole and how to be more unified as one. A wonderful read. A powerful one as well. Every Canadian should read this.

[Patrick Hanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of the various voices that have engaged in discussions of the relationship between settlers and indigenous peoples over the course of our complex history. There is a narrative knit from all of those voices, each of which leaves many layers of context for the reader to explore in more detail. I hope that it is a work that prompts readers to look into the original sources to put context around what Wilson-Raybould has put together here.

[Betsy Carosella · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Canadian, I think it is important to seek an understanding of our past in order to move forward with knowledge and clarity. True reconciliation can only happen with knowing where we’ve been, where we are and where we need to go. This book covers all three. The use of the parts of a specific totem pole to embody this learning is simply genius. The use of so many quotes and passages could have been connected with more discourse by the author, I think.

[Adam Arsenault · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Have courage, be willing to be uncomfortable, and recognize that every contribution to shaping a more just future for Canada is a valuable and needed contribution. Building our future takes all of us. We need you. We need us. Together we walk.
We are one with each other. And I thank you for all you do to manifest that."
-JWR

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great primer on the Indigenous and colonial histories of Turtle Island. The audiobook is particularly great because there are different narrators when different people are being quoted. The speaking is slow though, this can comfortably be listened to on 1.5x. Also I don’t think she likes Justin Trudeau.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of Canadian Indigenous History packed into this book. One I will revisit as must be read in more time than alloted by library to appreciate. Lots of twists and interpretations by many hands from England, Commonwealth Representatives and immigrants to the newly formed Canada. Could be a good resource / text in schools. Will revisit at later date to absorb more information.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

'History is a narrative; it's a collection of stories sanctioned by the ruling power, and reinforced through words and images that suit them.' Kent Monkman, Cree Artist quoted in Reconciling History. Thank you to Jody Wilson-Raybould and Roshan Danesh for this important book that breaks the narrative of the ruling power. Ki'mola - many walking together.

[Siobhan Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and well-written take on Canadian history. I love the use of the totem pole as a metaphor for the history of Canada. I recommend the audio version of this book, simply due to the variety of voices included in it. I appreciated how you can see Wilson-Raybould's legal background in the number of quotes pulled directly from legal decisions and judgements.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in a learning phase regarding this topic and I might not suggest people new to trying to understand the complexities start here. I don’t have a better suggestion but it felt like I was starting in the middle of a conversation with not enough background. I suppose that says something right there but this book tells a powerful story and perhaps I simply need to digest it for a while longer.

[Emily Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5🌟
This book moves mostly chronologically from pre-colonized Canada to 2024. Most of this book is heart wrenching, and will make most Canadians feel a deep sense of shame, but also hopefully, realization. The second half of the book is quite hopeful for the future. It is chock full of fantastic quotes, excerpts and lessons. A must read for Canadians.

[Michel Brisson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book re-examines Canada’s past through Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices, using storytelling, oral history, and art to uncover how colonial narratives have shaped the nation. It calls for a re-telling of Canada’s shared story—one grounded in truth, respect, and inclusion—as the foundation for genuine reconciliation and a renewed national identity.