52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing

by David Alexander Robertson

From bestselling author of the Misewa Saga series David A. Robertson, this is the essential guide for all Canadians to understand how small and attainable acts towards reconciliation can make an enormous difference in our collective efforts to build a reconciled country.

52 Ways to Reconcile is an accessible, friendly guide for non-Indigenous people eager to learn, or Indigenous people eager to do more in our collective effort towards reconciliation, as people, and as a country. As much as non-Indigenous people want to walk the path of reconciliation, they often aren’t quite sure what to do, and they’re afraid of making mistakes. This book is the answer and the long overdue guide.

The idea of this book is simple: 52 small acts of reconciliation to consider, one per week, for an entire year. They’re all doable, and they’re all meaningful. All 52 steps take readers in the right direction, towards a healthier relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and a time when we are past trauma. By following these steps, we can live in stronger and healthier communities equally, and respectfully, together.

Genres: Nonfiction, Indigenous, Canada, Audiobook, Adult, Sociology, Social Justice

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2025

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. It's a set of clear, gentle and constructive actions any of us can take toward reconciliation. While there is a strong Canadian focus, I think readers in any country with a marginalized Indigenous population should read this book and honestly, people in countries that were responsible for colonization should read it too. (In fact you can take so many of these actions and modify them for being a better ally with almost any marginalized community.)

The author simultaneously holds the reader's hand by offering so much helpful context in very accessible language and with lots of specific suggestions, while also holding people accountable for doing their own work to have more meaningful results.

I found myself reading slowly because I wanted to start taking some of these actions right away. In the end I decided to power through and go back and re-read with one focus a week.

I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.

[Persona Aki-Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So insightful as always! Went to the book signing and had a good time reading this with my mother! :D

Edit : this book inspired me to learn my mom’s indigenous language. My first class is this week and is part of a language revitalization program! :)

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to everyone!

[Matt Valcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much I learnt in my approach to reconciliation by reading this book. Most importantly; being an alley and not a bystander. One must show compassion when understanding where someone comes from and take the time to learn their story. Then take the initiative and teach others so future generations don't make the same mistakes. When speaking of reconciliation and history we cannot define the trauma as something of the past. Yes it is important to teach everyone this history but also to realize that this history is also the present. Be a good neighbour, friend, alley and community member. It's ok to speak up and make mistakes, that's how we all learn together. And it will take all of us. I will do my best to promote and share this book with others. David has also challenged me to come up with new ways to reconcile. Challenge accepted.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to David A. Robertson’s event last month and he mentioned his new book so I was really excited to read it right away thanks to NetGalley. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing is a great book with 52 actions we can take. One per week. And as I was reading I was already doing week two’s action which is to start an Indigenous book club. I was reading river woman by katherena vermette and I’m looking forward to reading more Indigenous books including All the Little Monsters by David A. Robertson. I learned new things from this book as well like Salmon n’ Bannock the Indigenous restaurant here in Vancouver and the Indigenous movie Smoke Signals. I’m glad I can return to this book. This is an essential read.

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for my ARC!

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the concept of this book and will definitely share sections with staff and students. However, it was "thinner" than I was expecting. I also felt the writing was imprecise at times, but perhaps that is because the book felt like it was trying to be so accessible and non-confrontational? I'm curious what my SS department will think of it. That said, if it encourages more Canadians to learn about Indigenous Peoples history and culture, then it's a win. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Marci Laevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Robertson’s conversational tone, short chapters and relatable content make this book a must read for anyone looking to be a part of reconciliation in Canada. I cannot recommend this enough 🇨🇦🍁

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving, inspiring and hopeful look at how settler descendants can help work towards a meaningful path of reconciliation.

Best-selling Indigenous author, David Robertson has written 52 ways everyday people can help with acting in earnest to create a more equitable and healing relationship to those struggling from intergenerational trauma and injustice.

Especially excellent on audio read by the author themselves, this is a book every Canadian should read and work through. Highly recommended for readers who appreciated Truth telling by Michelle Good.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @libro.fm for an ALC in exchange for my honest review!

[Rebecca Jebson - Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, David A. Robertson. Thank you.

This book (listened to the audiobook) should be used in Canadian curriculum. If you read one book about reconciliation, I hope it is this one.

A very 'readable' book, with many accessible ideas to work on weekly for the path to reconciliation.

[Sean Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im looking forward to another 52.

[Laura✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

David A. Robertson’s "52 Ways to Reconcile" is a practical guide for all Canadians, regardless of where they are on their reconciliation journey. Structured around one action per week, Robertson makes reconciliation both meaningful and manageable.

His approach not only outlines actionable steps but also educates and informs. Woven throughout the book are contemporary and historical events that provide crucial context. Robertson doesn’t shy away from difficult truths but offers tangible ways to acknowledge them and work toward reconciliation. From simple in-home actions like making bannock or watching an Indigenous TV show to more involved steps like attending demonstrations or volunteering, Robertson presents a range of options that ensure every Canadian can participate in some way.

I switched between the ebook and the audiobook narrated by the author and found the audio added a personal dimension to the experience. I will return to the book throughout the year and am planning to complete many of the actions personally or with my family and others in my Canadian history classes.

This is a must-read for Canadians looking for a guided yet flexible path toward reconciliation, offering both knowledge and actionable steps that can make a difference.

[AK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much a starter guide to help people figure out what they can do, week by week, to become better allies and educate themselves on the history and traditions of Indigenous people and the land that we inhabit.

The chapters themselves are very high level, giving a place to start and then offering the reader the opportunity to engage and educate themselves on a topic more. There are some recommendations for resources, media, and charities that would be beneficial to look into, but again, the book itself stays a bit more high level.

I will definitely work towards doing some of these things one a week, or once a month, to help myself grow in my journey towards understanding our history and home. Definitely recommend as a starting place, but also don't come into this book expecting it to do all the heavy lifting.

TW: mentions colonization, missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited, residential schools, HP reference

ARC gifted via Peguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review - Huge thanks to David A. Robertson and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to receive a review copy of 52 Ways to Reconcile.

In this straightforward and approachable guide, Cree author David A. Robertson offers 52 weeks of ideas for engaging in reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Some suggestions—like watching a movie or reading a book by an Indigenous writer—are simple and easy to do. Others may require more reflection. People of all ages and backgrounds can participate, and you don’t have to follow in order from 1 to 52. Just open the book, choose a number, and explore. Robertson provides historical context and personal insight for each idea, so you’re not only taking part in the project, but also learning why it matters. His devoted, approachable writing style invites you to join others in the healing and reconciliation journey by gaining awareness and taking action in your own life. This was an engaging and meaningful read.

[Signey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone is unsure on where to start to help work towards reconciliation, this is a great place to start. This book is a set of 52 clear and constructive actions to walk with Indigenous Peoples on the path to healing. Some suggestions are simple and easy to do while others may require more reflection. However, I really appreciated that David A. Robertson would provide historical context and/or personal insight for each idea to show why each step matters. And he would provided a starting point to help the reader succeed - and for me, with everything being suggested, I was googling the book, tv show, movie, artist, event, etc. and adding them to my list.

I look forward to re-reading this (when I am not recovering from surgery) so that I can follow along with the weekly actions!

[Jessica Lanziner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one of the most approachable and thoughtful pieces of work I’ve read around bringing reconciliation into daily life. I’d recommend purchasing this book and keeping it around for regular reference - don’t just loan it from a library. The plentiful lists of books, media, etc. recommended by Robertson, and the detailed ideas will be useful to have on hand.

In addition to personal use, I would highly reccomend this book for teachers, librarians, and other educators to use as a starting point for reconciliation. It provides an excellent pathway for folks on various levels of their reconciliation journey to begin real, actionable work.

[Kimberlee Feick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could sit and have a back and forth conversation with the author about these suggestions. I feel like there are so many things I want to ask about and understand further that I don't want to get just from reading or watching movies, although I did appreciate many of the suggestions he listed. I appreciate that he is trying to move us from rote recitations of land acknowledgements and Facebook likes to actual, meaningful, action. Reconciliation is, and should be, a verb.

[Rhia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not written to be read straight through like I just did. It's an amazing resource for steps you can take on your reconciliation journey, whatever your starting point. I may buy a copy to have to leaf through when I need a nudge to take action. Every Canadian should have access to this.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book for everyone who has an interest in learning more about Indigenous issues and doing more. There is an action a week for a year and a great reference at the end. Actions range from starting an Indigenous book club, to taking part in a smudge, and much more. Author Dave Robertson is Indigenous himself (as well as an award winning author) and includes historical and factual information, as well as family reference, for all the actions.

I learned quite a lot from reading this book.

[Ryan Turnbull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book! Not meant to be read quickly or in one sitting, but ideal for an individual, a book club or a church group looking for concrete ways to continue working on reconciliation. I had the good pleasure of interviewing David this morning about this book and he’s doing great work. I’m definitely going to be checking out more of his books.

[dobbs the dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC received from LibroFM, thanks!

This book was incredibly good and incredibly important.

This is a book written by an Indigenous author that clearly lays out how settlers can take concrete steps towards reconciliation and decolonization. The book is laid out to give readers one task per week for a whole year. Some tasks are quite easy, like sharing this book (what I'm doing now!), listening to Indigenous music, or watching an Indigenous movie or TV show. Others are more involved, such as visiting a residential school, starting an Indigenous authors book club, and more.

Overall this is an incredibly valuable book for anyone who wants to work towards reconciliation and decolonization, but doesn't quite know where to start. Robertson also includes a ton of resources, so that if you still don't know where to start, he gives you lists and suggestions.

In addition to the tasks, Robertson gives small anecdotes from his life that really show the importance of these tasks and actions, and how even though they may seem small or easy, they still have a real impact.

I really can't recommend this book enough.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good! It’s engaging and filled with manageable, doable ideas for the everyday person to actively participate in Reconciliation. I will be recommending it to everyone. It’s definitely my favourite book I’ve read this year!

[Vanesa V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource if you’re looking to advance reconciliation! Take your time reading it as there are loads of recommendations that take time to process and execute. Chapters were informative, instructive, and contained an appropriate level of humour.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. It does what it set out to do by being an accessible guide with simple, easy tasks to check off kind of thing.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It’s an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about reconciliation. The actions are thoughtful, helpful, and attainable - we can all do them! I had an interesting conversation with friends about action #7, “Check Your Idioms,” and I’m excited to start an Indigenous Book Club (#2 & 8). I highly recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to reading it again with friends, and checking off more actions! :)

[Malcolm McKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author had inspired me until he referred to the Kamloops residential school GPR evidence as graves and discovered bodies. Even the First Nations spokespersons have revised their narratives to “anomalies”. So he lacks credibility, although he has some good ideas.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a female, visible minority and Canadian, I often wonder if I’m in this world to change things and be part of Canada’s history. 🗺️ It’s evident that Indigenous people faced hardship. Laughter is indeed medicine. And humour on the path. Reconciliation is healing. 🌎🇨🇦 This book is simple for Canadians: 52 acts of reconciliation to consider, one per week, for a year. 🪶🧡

[Russeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as ARC from NetGalley, with thanks to the author and publisher.
This is an EXCELLENT book. It shares possible and practical roadmaps for the journey towards reconciliation. By suggesting one feasible action for each week of the year, it engages a collaborative and ongoing practice of relationship-building through learning, listening, and practice. I will be sharing this with my book club!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read and I look forward to incorporating more of these tips into my life.

[MasonC · Rating 5 out of 5]

After listening to this from the library I have added it to my list of books I need on my shelf.
Well many of the items are regular in my life, I have now been challenged with many more ideas and more ways to use privilege for good. 10/10 if you are working on de-colonizing or trying to figure out where to start in learning this book offers some great starting points. Cannot wait to share and recommend this book.

[Keriannabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish every settler Canadian would read this book. I’ve been trying to make a point of seeking out Indigenous voices in various forms of art and media. But I’ve often wondered what more I can do personally on the path to reconciliation. This book offered many ideas, and did so in a hopeful way and without inducing guilt. I listened to a library copy of the audiobook, read by the author, and he is an excellent narrator. I will be purchasing a paper copy too, so that I can make use of the excellent suggestions over time (and lend out to others eventually).