The Defiant 511 of the Alberni Indian Residential School

Many Indigenous children experienced the grim realities of residential schools-from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse to malnourishment, forced religious indoctrination, and attempted cultural eradication. In this memoir, Evelyn Thompson-George shares her father’s deeply personal account of his time at the Alberni Indian Residential School, where he endured unimaginable abuse from ages five to thirteen.

Despite the trauma he faced in remembering and retelling his story, Art Thompson made the courageous decision to share his experiences and expose the grim reality of life within the walls of the residential school in hopes of finding healing and closure. Art Thompson emerged as a leader, creating the initial sparks for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada when he and seventeen other brave individuals sought accountability for the atrocities committed against Indigenous children by initiating-and winning-a lawsuit to hold the Government of Canada, The United Church of Canada, and his abusers accountable for their participation in the horrific abuses suffered by him and other Indigenous children.

In writing this book, Evelyn Thompson-George used transcripts from her father’s testimony, giving readers insight into the lasting impact of residential school experiences, including the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous communities today. Art Thompson’s story is a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey toward Truth and Reconciliation and healing for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, as well as a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.