Notes from CBC's Booked Event Featuring Michelle Good

Welcome to CBC's Booked event at the Vancouver Public Library, an engaging forum aimed at discussing the significant themes depicted in contemporary literature. The event emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and reflecting on the colonial history of Canada while promoting anti-racism, inclusivity, and decolonization efforts in our society.

The event features Michelle Good, a noted author celebrated for her poignant storytelling, particularly her acclaimed novel "Five Little Indians." She is joined by Cheryl McKay, a prominent host from CBC's North by Northwest, who expertly navigates the dialogue surrounding Indigenous literature.
Michelle's background is rich and complex, consisting of her Cree ancestry, a career as a lawyer advocating for residential school survivors, and her work as an author. Her personal experiences and cultural heritage deeply inform her writings, allowing her to provide an authentic voice to the narratives of Indigenous people.

"Five Little Indians" has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including the Governor General's Award and the Amazon First Novel Award, indicative of its exceptional literary quality and its impactful themes. The book has transcended niche audiences, engaging a diverse array of readers across different demographics and cultural backgrounds, thus fostering important conversations about colonialism and its legacy.

The initial title of the novel, "10 Little Indians," was derived from a racist nursery rhyme, underscoring the pervasive theme of systemic racism reflected in the narrative. Michelle engaged in a thoughtful discussion regarding the discomfort surrounding the title, which illustrates the shifting cultural context of the 1960s and 1970s. This aspect of her title choice serves as a poignant reminder of the historical marginalization of Indigenous voices within societal narratives.

The reception of "Five Little Indians" was surprisingly positive, as Michelle initially perceived it would resonate primarily with a niche audience. However, the book found broader engagement, illuminating various audience perspectives and inviting both Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers to reflect on the historical impacts of residential schools. The book has had a profound effect on raising awareness about the lasting trauma stemming from this dark chapter in Canadian history.

Michelle's writing journey began with initial reluctance towards crafting a novel, a perspective that transformed upon her enrollment in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program. This academic experience equipped her with the necessary skills and confidence to explore her narratives deeply. In her writing process, she utilizes personal experiences and keen observations of the world around her, melding fact with fiction to bring her characters and their stories to life.

One of the first characters Michelle developed was Kenny, who symbolizes resilience and hope amidst the tragic circumstances faced by residential school survivors. Through him, readers gain a deeper understanding of the enduring impacts of trauma. Other characters emerged organically, each representing various aspects of the Aboriginal experience, thus offering a multifaceted view of resilience and adversity.
Michelle incorporated real historical events and family histories into the character backstories, such as Kenny's escape from a residential school and Maisie’s profound struggles post-exit, illustrating the complex realities Indigenous individuals navigated after these traumatic experiences.

The novel places a strong emphasis on examining life after residential schools, keenly exploring the trauma and psychological injuries that hinder survivors' ability to thrive. It represents the various challenges faced by Indigenous youth after their release from these institutions, including loss of community, resources, and a sense of identity.

Michelle intertwines personal family experiences with her narrative, detailing how residential schools' echoes have profoundly affected her mother and siblings. It highlights the imperative to acknowledge the cycle of trauma stemming from historical injustices and how these tales influence contemporary Indigenous families, underlining the deep interconnections between past and present.

The role of storytelling in Indigenous cultures is paramount, serving as a powerful medium for historical preservation and cultural expression. Michelle emphasizes how sharing personal stories, both individual and communal, fosters understanding and promotes reconciliation efforts in society today. By recounting these narratives, communities can begin to heal and understand the systemic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.

During the event, Michelle provided glimpses into her next book, inspired by her great-grandmother, which will tackle historical Indigenous experiences during tumultuous times in Canada. She expresses a keen interest in exploring the interplay of colonial history, Indigenous resilience, and cultural identity, continuing her mission to elevate Indigenous voices and stories.

As a final note, Michelle urged the audience to engage with Indigenous communities, fostering relationships built on respect and understanding. She highlighted the recent discoveries of burial sites in Canada, advocating for recognition and acknowledgment of historical traumas as crucial steps toward meaningful reconciliation efforts. Encouraging listeners to seek out resources and engage critically with Indigenous histories is essential for moving forward collectively as a society.