Decolonization and me: Conversations about healing a Nation and Ourselves

In this heartfelt and lyrical picture book, a young narrator shares what it feels like to move through a world where they don't always feel they belong. Like a puzzle piece searching for its place, they discover that true belonging is found in the warmth of family, community, and Indigenous traditions. The narrator reconnects with the strength of their ancestors, the resilience of their people, and the joy of knowing exactly where they belong, when they join their family and community to gather, sing, and dance.

Phyllis Webstad (née Jack) is Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xget'tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band). She comes from mixed Secwépemc and Irish/Scottish heritage. She was born in Dog Creek and lives in Williams Lake, BC, Canada. Phyllis has inspired thousands and thousands of people to honour Residential School Survivors and their families and share the call on September 30th of each year that "EVERY CHILD MATTERS." Phyllis is well respected for her work as an ambassador for the Orange Shirt Day, her courage and for striving to heal our communities and Nation through speaking her truth.<p></p>

Kristy McLeod is a registered Métis with family roots in the Lac St. Anne and Red River Settlements. She is currently a PhD Candidate in Curriculum and Instruction exploring Métis Identity. Her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction was focused on how to create inclusive schools. She has been working as an educator in schools for the past 20+ years, both as a teacher in the K-12 system and as a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria. She is Co-owner of PathWise Solutions Inc, a company focused on creating eLearning and training, as well as web solutions for diverse learning groups. She was chair of the Education Committee for the Métis Nation of Victoria and a Director at Large on its board since 2021. Her focus in all things she does is to recognize the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of consultation in creating unity.

Dr. Sean Carleton (BA, MA, PhD, MRSC) is an award-winning, bestselling author and historian of colonialism, capitalism, and education in Canada. He is a settler scholar and an Associate Professor in the Departments of History and Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. He is currently the Associate Head, Department of Indigenous Studies.