Decolonization and Me: Conversations about healing a Nation and Ourselves

by Phyllis Webstad, Kristy McLeod

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

350 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Phyllis Jack Webstad is a Northern Secwepemc author from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, and the creator of Orange Shirt Day, a day of remembrance marked in Canada later instated as the public holiday of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. She is a First Nations residential school survivor.

Reviews

[Kfontz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains very important insights and stories regarding decolonization, specifically how settler-Canadians and immigrants living in Canada can take steps in their daily lives to decolonize their perspectives, knowledge systems and approaches towards Indigenous people and the lands we know as Canada. This book would be a great starting place or second step in the “decolonizing the mind” process, as it focuses more on self-reflection and relationality than a detailed account of the hidden histories of Canada. Some awesome resources and reflection questions are included throughout to guide the reader on their own decolonization journey.

[Enid Wray]

An interesting knitting together of a series of responses to questions - often originating as comments posted on Facebook - to fashion as a story.

An important prompt to encourage people to explore their own relationship with reconciliation.

[Minion_0.0.7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decolonization and Me felt less like something I was reading and more like something I was being gently asked to confront. What stayed with me wasn’t a specific fact or argument, but the feeling of being invited into an honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversation. Phyllis Webstad speaks with a calm strength that doesn’t demand sympathy, yet it quietly reshapes how you think about history and its ongoing weight. At the same time, Kirsty McLeod doesn’t position herself as an expert, but as someone learning in real time, and that vulnerability made the reflection feel real rather than performative.

For me, the heart of the book is about accountability in everyday life. It made me question how often reconciliation becomes a word we say instead of a practice we live. The tone is intimate and reflective, almost like overhearing a thoughtful dialogue that you slowly realize includes you. By the end, I didn’t feel overwhelmed, but aware. Aware of responsibility, of history that is not distant, and of the small, consistent work required to move forward with honesty.

[Clivemichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful examination of our role in creating reconciliation personally and systemically.

[Christopher Heavener · Rating 5 out of 5]

challenges the reader to reflect and ask hard questions without blaming or being over the top aggressive
a very good read