Worth Reading: Seven Fallen Feathers

June 1, 2025

Education Newsletter

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By Rachel Metalin, FSWC Manager of Professional Learning

Tanya Talaga’s Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death, and Hard Truths in a Northern City is a powerful work of investigative journalism that sheds light on systemic racism, Indigenous rights and the ongoing effects of colonialism in Canada. Through the tragic stories of seven Indigenous youth who died in Thunder Bay, Ontario between 2000 and 2011, Talaga exposes the failures of the education, justice and child welfare systems. This book is an essential read for educators seeking to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and histories into their classrooms.

Talaga’s work fits within the genre of literary nonfiction, blending meticulous research with storytelling that is both urgent and compassionate. An award-winning Canadian journalist of Anishinaabe heritage, she provides historical context, particularly regarding Canada’s residential school system and the ongoing struggles Indigenous communities face in accessing education. The book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic racism while also amplifying the voices of Indigenous families and leaders demanding change.

For educators, Seven Fallen Feathers offers a vital opportunity to explore themes of social justice, reconciliation and Indigenous resilience. However, due to its mature themes — including racial violence, loss, and the failures of law enforcement — the book is most suitable for senior high school students (Grades 11 and 12). Teachers should approach the text with care, providing historical context and creating space for thoughtful discussion.

Including Seven Fallen Feathers in the curriculum helps foster critical conversations about truth and reconciliation in Canada. Paired with Indigenous-authored literature and primary sources, it can deepen students’ understanding of historical and contemporary injustice. Talaga’s work is both a call to action and a testament to the power of storytelling in bearing witness to the past while envisioning a more just future.

Groundwood Books: Seven Fallen Feathers Study Guide