Research summary
Since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented its findings in 2015, teachers have increasingly integrated literature about Canada’s residential schools into their curricula—often for the first time and without prior training. This can be a challenge for non-Indigenous teachers, who may be unfamiliar with what are often traumatic stories.
As Canada Research Chair in Truth, Reconciliation, and Indigenous Literatures, Dr. Michelle Coupal’s goal is to provide a theory and practice for the studying and teaching of residential school literature grounded in the stories told by survivors and their family members. Working with her research team, she aims to publish a collection of interviews with writers of these stories as well as a companion website to guide the teaching of this dark history. Ultimately, they hope to provide teachers, students and the public with ways of better understanding and relating to residential school stories.