Book cover for Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City

Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City

Author: Tanya Talaga

Review by Mel on 2024-01-03

A powerful and heartbreaking work of investigative journalism, Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga sheds light on systemic racism and injustice faced by Indigenous youth in Canada. The book recounts the tragic deaths of seven Indigenous students—Jordan Wabasse, Kyle Morrisseau, Curran Strang, Robyn Harper, Paul Panacheese, Reggie Bushie, and Jethro Anderson—who left their homes in remote communities to pursue an education, only to lose their lives in Thunder Bay. Talaga meticulously details the failures of the education, legal, and political systems that continue to neglect Indigenous communities. This book is a must-read for all Canadians. It confronts uncomfortable truths and challenges the widespread ignorance surrounding Indigenous rights and history. While difficult to read, it is essential in understanding the ongoing struggles Indigenous communities face today.