This Place: 150 Years Retold

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this marvelous book in exchange for my review.

This is a brilliant collection of stories told by the people who didn't win. History usually is stories of those who won but not by all those affected. This collection of short graphic stories attempts to rectify that. Each story is a moment in history told through the eyes of an indigenous person. They are all graphically and thematically different, but each of the stories is extremely important. I couldn't pick a favorite, each one excelled and was beautiful. I recommend this group of stories.

The introduction speaks about the fear people have of a post-apocalyptic world, and how for indigenous people, the world has been post-apocalyptic since colonization. I never considered that perspective before, but when I thought about fictional dystopias, it suddenly seemed obvious.
These stories reveal the dystopic world indigenous people have endured. However, the stories also contain hope and optimism. They have an overriding theme that despite centuries of trying to erase indigenous culture and traditions, the people stay strong and come together to support one another. And it shows how their resolve has resulted in positive change.

I think what makes this collection so special is that some of the history was new to me, some of it was not, but learning historical events wasn't the point. It took known historical moments and characters, and changed the lens, moved the perspective, made me see the events I knew in a way I didn't properly consider before. And it changed me. It changed the way I look at this country. It changed the way I read history.

This is a fantastic achievement, put together by incredibly talented writers and artists, and I can't recommend it enough.

A road-map of the last 150 years of Indigenous heroes and the crimes and injustices that the Canadian government has committed against the Indigenous people. From the passing of the Indian Act and its many freedom-limiting amendments, to the cruelty of residential schools, to the stealing of land, various standoffs. And through it all the ever resilient spirit of the Metis, Inuit and First Nations people, fighting for their land and their right to live on their own terms. 10 stories told and illustrated by mostly Indigenous artists.