Stolen: Surviving St. Michael's

Journalist Connie Walker's memoir recounts her investigation into her late father's experience at St. Michael's Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. Her research begins after learning of a violent incident from his past, prompting her to uncover both personal and historical truths. The narrative follows Walker as she pieces together her father's story through interviews, archival research, and visits to key locations. Her work as an investigative reporter for CBC and other outlets gives her the tools to examine not just family history, but the broader system of residential schools in Canada. The book documents Walker's parallel journeys - one to understand her father and family heritage, another to expose the residential school system's impact on Indigenous communities. Her professional skills as a journalist merge with her personal stake as a Cree woman seeking answers about intergenerational trauma. This memoir demonstrates how personal and collective histories intersect, revealing patterns of institutional abuse while exploring themes of identity, healing, and the complex bonds between parents and children. The work stands as both family story and historical document.

Readers note the book's raw emotional impact and Walker's skill at weaving together investigative journalism with personal memoir. The audiobook format receives particular attention, with listeners appreciating Walker's narration of her own story. Readers valued: - The blend of true crime and personal family history - Clear explanations of residential school impacts across generations - Inclusion of survivor interviews and historical records Main criticisms: - Some found the structure confusing, with multiple timelines - A few readers wanted more detail about specific events - The pacing slows in certain sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.49/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (500+ ratings) Audible: 4.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) One reader called it "a necessary but difficult read about generational trauma." Another noted it "reads like a mystery while educating about Indigenous history." The audiobook garnered comments like "hearing Connie tell her own story adds another layer of authenticity."

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🔖 Author Connie Walker is a member of the Okanese First Nation and an award-winning investigative journalist who has extensively covered stories about Indigenous communities for both CBC and Gimlet Media. 📚 The book emerged from Walker's hit podcast "Stolen: Surviving St. Michael's," where she investigated her own father's experience at St. Michael's Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan. 🏫 St. Michael's Indian Residential School operated from 1889 to 1996, making it one of the longest-running residential schools in Canada. It was located in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. 💔 The story connects to a larger history: More than 150,000 Indigenous children were forced to attend residential schools in Canada between the 1870s and 1996, as part of a systematic attempt at cultural assimilation. 🎤 Walker discovered many of the details about her father's experience only after his death, when a chance encounter at a Sun Dance ceremony led her to begin investigating his past and the trauma he endured at the residential school.