Resilience Knowledge: Wisdom From the Elders' Circle

Resilience Knowledge: Wisdom From the Elders' Circle is a non-fiction collection of narratives about the impact of colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in Canada using both traditional oral systems, written transcripts, and direct audio recordings of Indigenous Elders’ stories to preserve wisdom and guide and support the next generation. Within these pages, Elders reflect on the legacy of residential schools and share messages of hope, courage, and strength, followed by heartfelt essays from youth that create a transformative intergenerational dialogue.

This book includes:

• A collection led by Elders: A project guided by the protocols and pacing of the Elders Knowledge Circle to ensure cultural safety and authenticity.
• First person: Shares the memories of more than 30 Residential School survivors from across Canada as well as close to 40 archival and contemporary images.
• Living history format: Features written transcripts and links to the original audio recordings of the Elders’ oral teachings, stories, and memories.
• Intergenerational dialogue: Includes responses from Indigenous youth, creating a powerful bridge between Survivors and the next generation.
• Pathways to healing: Offers messages of resilience and care specifically designed to help young people navigate the legacy of residential and day schools.

This collection weaves together the voices from diverse Indigenous cultures to inspire collective healing from historical trauma. By reconnecting youth with their heritage and fostering understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups, Resilience Knowledge: Wisdom From the Elders' Circle serves as a vital tool for rebuilding cultural identity and envisioning a brighter, shared future.