Michelle Good Livres

Taken from their families at a young age and sent to a remote residential school, Kenny, Lucy, Clara, Howie, and Maisie are released as teens into the harsh environment of Downtown Eastside Vancouver. Alone and without skills or support, they cling to one another in their search for safety and belonging in a world that rejects them. Their lives intertwine over the decades as they grapple with the trauma of their past at the Mission. Clara, fueled by rage, becomes involved in the American Indian Movement, while Maisie internalizes her pain, often putting herself in perilous situations. Known for his daring escapes, Kenny struggles to outrun his memories and addiction, moving restlessly from job to job. Lucy finds solace in motherhood but harbors a secret compulsive disorder as she waits for Kenny to return. After a violent confrontation with a tormentor, Howie serves time in prison and attempts to reintegrate into society. With compassion and insight, this narrative explores the desperate journey of these residential school survivors as they confront their past and seek a path forward.

The collection of essays presents a bold exploration of contemporary Indigenous issues in Canada, highlighting themes of resistance, reconciliation, and the reclamation of Indigenous power. Michelle Good shares personal narratives and updates on significant topics, including the impact of colonialism, discrimination against Indigenous children, and the significance of the 1970s Indigenous literary renaissance. Through her insightful analysis, Good examines the ongoing human cost of colonialism and its effects on social institutions, advocating for meaningful reconciliation.