Dr. Brenda Child | In Our Own Words

Hoċokata Ṫi is honored to host acclaimed Ojibwe historian, author, and educator Dr. Brenda J. Child for a special presentation introducing her new book, In Our Own Words: True Stories of Indian Boarding Schools, published in September 2026. The book brings together firsthand accounts, letters, and historical records that illuminate the experiences of Native children and families affected by the federal Indian boarding school system.

This educator-focused event will provide participants with an opportunity to hear directly from one of the nation's leading Indigenous historians about the history of boarding schools, the resilience of Native communities, and approaches for teaching this history with accuracy, empathy, and cultural understanding. Dr. Child's work centers Native voices and family experiences, helping readers understand both the harms of assimilation policies and the strength and perseverance of Indigenous peoples.

While all educators are welcome to attend, middle and high school teachers will find these sessions especially valuable as they explore age-appropriate ways to incorporate Indigenous history, primary sources, and boarding school education into classroom learning. The content and discussion are particularly relevant for educators teaching social studies, history, Native American studies, language arts, and related subjects.