Indian School Road Sparknotes

“Indian School Road” by Chris Benjamin sheds light on the horrific experiences of Indigenous children and families at residential schools. It is a non-fiction book that explores the impact of the residential school system in Canada on Indigenous Communities. The author focuses specifically on the Shubenacadie Residential School in Nova Scotia, where Indigenous children were taken and forced to attend the school from 1930-1967. The Canadian government established these schools intending to indoctrinate Indigenous children into Christian ways, with churches as the main locations and priests and nuns as educators. The book uncovers the history of the Shubenacadie Residential School, exposing the responsible individuals, the government's passive

It provides the perspective of intergenerational trauma and allows the reader to connect with the survivors. Benjamin shares his knowledge of oppression. He is a witness to the stories of abuse, and through this novel, he exposes what he has learnt to contribute to the battle against injustice. The author brings to life the experiences of those who attended the school, offering a rare and moving insight into their lives. Specifically, Wayne Nicholas' survivor testimony is deeply engaging as he shares his experiences at the residential schools and charts his journey of growth and acceptance. Nicholas is now a member of the Topique Band Council and plays a role in supporting survivors as they process their experiences. His journey is a deeply emotional one, characterized by the detailed description of the hardships he faced. The account showcases his personal growth, as he transforms his experiences of abuse into an integral part of himself and makes it his life’s purpose to assist others who went through similar experiences. These personal and insightful narratives are what give this book its true significance. Chris Benjamin draws upon his knowledge and weaves these thoughts and memories into a written work, bringing the world's attention to the tragedy of the residential

However, what is presented is even more dark and appalling. This book differs from typical non-fiction works on residential schools in its unflinching revelation of the ugly truths. Benjamin does something remarkable by shifting the focus from the victims to the perpetrators. While most people are familiar with the survivor stories of Indigenous children, with emphasis on the abuse they endured and loss of their cultural identity; few works delve into the actions of the oppressors. Benjamin's approach is not intended to diminish the survivor's experiences, but rather to shine a light on the abuse of power by the priests, nuns, and government, which has gone unchecked for too long. Without documentation, the assaults and abuse committed by Father Mackey, the initial administrator of Shubenacadie Residential School, would have gone unnoticed and unacknowledged. It was only through the recording and documenting of his actions that the truth was revealed. By uncovering his actions and motivations, Benjamin's novel sheds new light on the residential school system and offers a fresh perspective on a long-standing issue. His writing raises important questions about accountability and the need for systemic change. The eye-opening accounts presented in this novel serve as a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed against Indigenous children and the ongoing impact