Decolonization and Me - by Phyllis Webstad & Kristy McLeod (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This book invites readers to step into a space of reflection on your personal relationship with truth, reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day.

Written in response to the increase of residential school denialism, Phyllis Webstad and Kristy McLeod have collaborated to create a book that encourages readers to face their own biases. This book challenges readers through a series of sensitive conversations that explore decolonization, Indigenization, healing, and every person's individual responsibility to truth and reconciliation. Centered around the Orange Shirt Day movement, and a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, these conversations encourage readers to unpack and reckon with denialism, biases, privilege, and the journey forward, on both a personal and national level.

Within each chapter, Phyllis Webstad draws on her decade of experience (sharing her Orange Shirt Story on a global level and advocating for the rights of Indigenous Peoples) to offer insights on these topics and stories from her personal journey, which co-author and Métis scholar, Kristy McLeod, helps readers to further navigate. Each section includes real denialist comments taken from social media and Kristy's analysis and response to them. Through empathy-driven truth-telling, this book offers an opportunity to witness, reflect, heal, and be intentional about the seeds we hope to plant for the future, together.

Review Quotes

"Decolonization and Me: Conversations about Healing a Nation is a clear, courageous, and practical book. Through sharing of personal narratives and collective histories, the book powerfully helps us understand the truth of the past so we can build a more cohesive and unified future."

- Dr. Roshan Danesh, KC, co-author Reconciling History: A Story of Canada (2024)

"Kristy and Phyllis' book Decolonization and Me is a powerful call for all of us to increase our awareness and more importantly, to act. Through their story-telling, interwoven with historical information and insights, these authors have modeled the importance of telling Indigenous peoples' stories of struggle and resistance through factual information about the brutal history of Canada. The genuineness and authenticity of their voices speaks to our hearts and our minds as we engage with their often painful lived experiences. The clarity of their words resonates and challenges us to examine our own positionality. Kristy and Phyllis' ongoing courage at confronting denier comments through using social media examples, and their unique approach to calling out the toxicity of online anonymity, bring a new way to reclaim reality and truth. This book takes the reader on a complex journey, involving us throughout as we move toward reconciliation, recognizing that the journey is a long and circuitous one that is never completed but always revealing new understandings of ourselves and our role in reconciliation as we make steps to a more socially just world."

- Kathy Sanford, Professor, Interim Associate Dean Graduate Programs & Research

"Decolonization and Me is essential reading for anyone interested in truth, justice, and reconciliation. Phyllis and Kristy's honest reflections deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead in the work of building a better future."

- Sean Carleton, Author of Lessons in Legitimacy

--Sean Carleton "Blurb"

"When my work requires me to find space and grace in difficult discussions, Phyllis Webstad and Kristy Mcleod have written the guidebook. Anyone who finds themselves locked in debate with a relative at an extended family dinner will find useful and meaningful ways to move forward with intention."

- Hilary Atleo, Iron Dog Books