Truth and reconciliation anthology launches in Edmonton

A collection of stories about Canada's colonial past to be launched Wednesday nightwas inspired by testimony at the Truth and Reconciliation hearings in Edmonton.

In This Together: Fifteen Stories of Truth and Reconciliationoffersinsight from a wide range of experiences, and includes essays from both indigenous and non-indigenous authors from across the country.

The anthology isthe work of Edmonton's former historian laureate, Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, whofelt compelled to commissionthestoriesafter hearing gut-wrenching testimonyat the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing in Edmonton.

"You almost don't want to believe it," she said. "There is this sense of denial, but of course it's true, it happened. Hearing all these survivors has been incredibly inspiring to me."

Metcalfe-Chenailhopesby putting the stories onthe page, the conversation around reconciliation no matter how painful will continue across Canada.

"I'm trying to honour their memoriesand their legacies, and bring to light a wide range of issues that relate to Canada'scolonial past."

The collection focuses on moments of clarity or "aha" moments from people grappling with the harsh realityof colonialism and racism in Canada, Metcalfe-Chenail said.

"I think for so many of us, that's what happens, a lightbulb goes off in our heads, that we are living in a place with a colonial past and present," she said.

"These are heartfelt, approachable stories."

Metcalfe-Chenail will launch the bookin partnership with Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton, or RISE,Wednesday at6:30 p.m.atthe Stanley Milner Library.

Apanel discussionwill feature local contributors Steven Cooper, Carissa Halton and Rhonda Kronyk.

"I'm glad events like this are happening," saidMiranda Jimmy, founder of RISE.

"Reconciliation doesn't live in the past. Itlives in the present and the future.This is a way to reconnect with people who want to carry on the conversation."