Up Ghost River

Up Ghost River is a memoir that documents Edmund Metatawabin's experiences in Canada's residential school system, starting with his early childhood in the 1950s. The book chronicles his time at St. Anne's Residential School in Northern Ontario, where Indigenous children were forcibly sent as part of the government's assimilation policy. The narrative follows Metatawabin's journey from trauma through addiction and eventually to healing, incorporating traditional Indigenous practices and wisdom. Written in collaboration with journalist Alexandra Shimo, the book includes historical context about Canada's residential school system and its impact on Indigenous communities. The memoir stands as both a personal account and a broader examination of cultural genocide, resilience, and reconciliation in Canadian history. Through Metatawabin's story, readers gain understanding of intergenerational trauma and the power of reclaiming Indigenous identity and traditions.

Readers describe Up Ghost River as a raw, unflinching account of residential school trauma. Many note its effectiveness in documenting both personal experiences and broader Indigenous history in Canada. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward writing style - Balance between personal narrative and historical context - Documentation of traditional Cree healing practices - Educational value for understanding residential schools What readers disliked: - Graphic descriptions of abuse that some found difficult to read - Occasional timeline jumps that created confusion - Some sections about politics and policy felt dry Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (180+ ratings) Reader quotes: "The juxtaposition between traditional life and residential school life is stark and revealing" - Goodreads reviewer "An important but challenging read that should be part of Canadian curriculum" - Amazon reviewer "Does not sugarcoat the reality while maintaining dignity and hope" - LibraryThing review

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🔹 Edmund Metatawabin, who attended St. Anne's Residential School, became the first Indigenous Chief of Fort Albany First Nation to have a university degree, later earning his Master's in Environmental Studies. 🔹 St. Anne's Residential School, featured prominently in the book, was notorious for using a homemade electric chair to torture Indigenous children as punishment and "entertainment" for the staff. 🔹 The Canadian government initially destroyed thousands of documents about abuse at St. Anne's, but in 2014, a court ordered the release of 40,000 documents related to the school's dark history. 🔹 Co-author Alexandra Shimo developed PTSD while researching and writing about the residential school system, leading her to write another book, "Invisible North," about her experiences. 🔹 The title "Up Ghost River" refers to the Albany River in Northern Ontario, which the Indigenous people called the Ghost River because of the many souls who never returned home after being taken to residential schools along its banks.