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A review by angryphoenix
Stolen Sisters: The Story of Two Missing Girls, Their Families, and How Canada Has Failed Indigenous Women by Emmanuelle Walter
4.0
Not enough Canadians know about their own country's history. So many folks (or folx?) have this idea that Canada is a peaceful nation that strives for equality for its citizens. This is not the case. It never has been. Canada was built on the backs of marginalized peoples... or more accurately, it has been built on stolen land. Canada, as we know it, is a product of colonization, violence, assimilation and segregation, cultural genocide, and white supremacy.
I read this book in three sittings. The language used was quite accessible, though the style was pretty different from most non-fiction books I've read... I would assume that is owing to how the author is a journalist. Parts of this book had me riveted and deeply emotionally invested, while I skimmed over other chapters. As a research assistant for MMIWG in Canada, I have read hundreds of stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. I have read pleas, hopeful prayers, and grieving statements from the friends and families of those who have been lost to this genocide (I use the term "genocide" out of respect as term was used in the Inquiry's report released in June 2019). I do not have exhaustive knowledge on this topic, nor will I ever claim to have it. To do so would be an insult to the families and their loved ones' memories, stories, and lives.
The book primarily focuses on the cases of two young missing girls, Maisy Odjick and Shannon Alexander, however, the author does a nice job of adding other information to give you a much broader picture and idea of MMIWG in Canada. You will be introduced to new people who have sacrificed time and money and energy to help families find their missing loved ones. You will read statistics and stories that should make you feel ill. I would imagine that most people will close this book and realize that they have been looking at their country with rose-coloured glasses. I would imagine that most people would be horrified at what they read here and likely ask themselves, "how did I not know this?" If you ask yourself that question, then take that as a sign that most folks/folx around you do not know this either.
What you will "take" from this book will entirely depend on your existing knowledge on MMIWG in Canada, as well as your readiness to read and consider the stories in these pages. I would hope that anyone who reads this book (or any book on MMIWG) does not simply read and discard - you are reading about pain that many people have gone through. Do not just take - reciprocate somehow. Do something with what you will learn from this book. Educate others. Participate in a Sisters in Spirit vigil on October 4 or Women's Marches on February 14. Donate to a local grassroots Indigenous women's shelter or network that is run entirely by volunteers (there are hundreds - I know because finding them is what I do... Moosehide Campaign, Sisters in Spirit, Butterflies in Spirit, Families of Sisters in Spirit, Women Warriors/Connie Greyeyes... or contact the families of Maisy Odjick and Shannon Alexander and ask them how you can contribute). Taking knowledge from this book and not doing anything with it is akin to colonialism that caused this to begin with - do not allow yourself to become part of the problem.
I read this book in three sittings. The language used was quite accessible, though the style was pretty different from most non-fiction books I've read... I would assume that is owing to how the author is a journalist. Parts of this book had me riveted and deeply emotionally invested, while I skimmed over other chapters. As a research assistant for MMIWG in Canada, I have read hundreds of stories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. I have read pleas, hopeful prayers, and grieving statements from the friends and families of those who have been lost to this genocide (I use the term "genocide" out of respect as term was used in the Inquiry's report released in June 2019). I do not have exhaustive knowledge on this topic, nor will I ever claim to have it. To do so would be an insult to the families and their loved ones' memories, stories, and lives.
The book primarily focuses on the cases of two young missing girls, Maisy Odjick and Shannon Alexander, however, the author does a nice job of adding other information to give you a much broader picture and idea of MMIWG in Canada. You will be introduced to new people who have sacrificed time and money and energy to help families find their missing loved ones. You will read statistics and stories that should make you feel ill. I would imagine that most people will close this book and realize that they have been looking at their country with rose-coloured glasses. I would imagine that most people would be horrified at what they read here and likely ask themselves, "how did I not know this?" If you ask yourself that question, then take that as a sign that most folks/folx around you do not know this either.
What you will "take" from this book will entirely depend on your existing knowledge on MMIWG in Canada, as well as your readiness to read and consider the stories in these pages. I would hope that anyone who reads this book (or any book on MMIWG) does not simply read and discard - you are reading about pain that many people have gone through. Do not just take - reciprocate somehow. Do something with what you will learn from this book. Educate others. Participate in a Sisters in Spirit vigil on October 4 or Women's Marches on February 14. Donate to a local grassroots Indigenous women's shelter or network that is run entirely by volunteers (there are hundreds - I know because finding them is what I do... Moosehide Campaign, Sisters in Spirit, Butterflies in Spirit, Families of Sisters in Spirit, Women Warriors/Connie Greyeyes... or contact the families of Maisy Odjick and Shannon Alexander and ask them how you can contribute). Taking knowledge from this book and not doing anything with it is akin to colonialism that caused this to begin with - do not allow yourself to become part of the problem.