Crossing the River

Crossing the River
An unsettling memoir

Please join Calgary author and CALL member Sandra Hayes-Gardiner, and Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Cree Elder and Pipe Carrier Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes on a journey every Canadian can take. Growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s, Sandra absorbed the notions of continuing racism and prejudice against indigenous people. As a social worker with the federal government, she was responsible for removing ‘at risk’ Indigenous children from their families, often sending them to residential school. Over time she was led to advocacy work with indigenous communities and developed a passionate dedication to unlearning and relearning Canada’s real history. Sandra faced the task of 'crossing the river’ between two communities, the mostly white town where she lived, and the Cree Nation of the other side. You will be shocked, saddened, encouraged and ultimately challenged to ask yourself the questions she asks herself even now - what kind of Canada do you want and how will you be part of that unfolding history?

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