North of Nowhere by Marie Wilson, a Born Accessible Release
At CNIB Beyond Print, we are dedicated to making literature accessible to all, especially for people with print disabilities.
Our commitment extends to promoting the concept of Born Accessible, ensuring that new books are available in alternative formats from the day of release, because everybody deserves to discover the joy of reading.
We’re thrilled to highlight an important work: North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner by Marie Wilson, a memoir born from the authentic testimonies of over 6,500 residential school Survivors.
Marie took copious notes while she listened, and a decade later she has written this important memoir.
Marie came into the CNIB studios to record her accessible audiobook and share her thoughts with us.
A Journey of Truth and Healing
Marie Wilson served as one of the three Commissioners of the historic Truth and Reconciliation Committee (TRC 2009-2015), leading to an unprecedented oral and written record of the facts and impacts of more than a century of forced residential schooling for Indigenous children in Canada. A prominent public speaker throughout Canada and internationally, she brings acknowledged expertise on the successes and challenges of advancing reconciliation.
Ms. Wilson has lengthy accomplishments as an award-winning journalist and program trainer, federal and territorial executive manager, high school teacher in Africa, university lecturer, and consultant. In 2016 she served as Professor of Practice at McGill University’s Institute for the Study of International Development, designing and delivering a course devoted to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
She has served as a Mentor to two doctoral scholars with the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation, and as Board Director for several non-profit and public agencies, including the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC-Radio-Canada), and the Rideau Hall Foundation where she remains Director Emeritus.
Ms. Wilson is a recipient of the Order of Canada, the Order of the Northwest Territories and the Meritorious Service Cross. She holds honorary degrees from several Canadian universities, among many awards and recognitions.
The TRC was established from the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history, which begin in 2007. The goal of its establishment was to facilitate reconciliation among former students, their families, and communities, as well as all Canadians.
The TRC spent 6 years travelling across Canada to hear from over 6,500 witnesses and hosted events for Canadians to be educated about the history and legacy of the residential school system, and to share and honour the experiences of former students and their families.
The TRC finalized its findings in 2015 in a report, including 94 “Calls to Action” to advance reconciliation between Canadians and Indigenous Peoples.
Marie’s role in this profound process was to listen, record, and now share these narratives through her memoir, North of Nowhere.
Looking back Marie describes the TRC as “an important piece of Canadian history” and it was also a very emotional experience for her.
In North of Nowhere she describes her own personal heartbreak and a sense of healing.
“It was such a transformative experience for those who gathered in those spaces. It is my story of having experienced all of that. It took me the longest time of all to realize that I could only do this book if I was a character in it. And that’s the common glue that holds it all together.”
In an interview with CNIB Beyond Print, Marie shared her unique experience recording the audiobook version of her memoir.
Unlike most narrators who sit comfortably, Marie stood for the entire 20-hour recording session. “I really felt the need for my feet to be firmly planted on the ground,” she explained.
“I needed to feel like I had access to my full being because the book was tough to write. My book really is a vessel for many voices. These were the voices that I still hear in my head. I wanted to be able to voice them from my own heart as I experienced them.”
Marie’s commitment to capturing the raw emotion of these stories was evident as she recounted moments where the recording had to pause due to the overwhelming feelings.
“You can’t deny the emotion in that moment,” she said, highlighting the unforgettable connections she formed with the Survivors’ stories.
The Importance of Accessibility
Marie Wilson’s memoir is a recounting of past events and a crucial piece of Canadian history.
“Part of the reason why I felt it was important to write it, is already people are starting to forget that there ever was a commission,” she emphasized.
North of Nowhere is her personal narrative interlaced with the stories of countless others, providing a transformative experience for readers.
The decision to create accessible formats for North of Nowhere was driven by Marie’s understanding of the broader implications of accessibility.
“In a way, the whole story is about accessibility, in a broader sense,” she noted.
“Accessibility to opportunity, accessibility to education, accessibility to family, and accessibility to the only language you know.”
House of Anansi Press, the publisher of North of Nowhere, is committed to this vision of inclusivity.
They have made the memoir available in various formats, including accessible and commercial audiobooks, ensuring simultaneous release with the printed version.
Moreover, they are prepared to provide the English-language book at no cost to any party interested in arranging Indigenous language reproduction, reaffirming their commitment to making literature accessible to all communities.
The Cone of Silence is Gone
Marie Wilson’s experiences with the TRC taught her the diversity and complexity of the residential school Survivors’ stories.
She cautions against generalizing about the TRC.
“The schools themselves were not a homogenous story. No aspect of the story is one size fits all,” she says.
Yet, one thing remains clear: “The cone of silence is gone. I think people have reclaimed their voice and there is a determination for those who wish to speak that they will not be silenced.”
This newfound voice and determination are central to North of Nowhere. It is a book that not only documents historical events but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of those who survived.
Marie’s memoir ensures that the stories of the Survivors continue to be heard, understood, and remembered.
Our commitment to Inclusivity
At CNIB Beyond Print, our mission is to make literature accessible to everyone.
We believe that stories like Marie Wilson’s North of Nowhere are essential for creating understanding and the process towards reconciliation.
By promoting the Born Accessible initiative, we ensure that new publications are available in accessible formats from the start, eliminating barriers for readers with print disabilities.
Marie Wilson’s work aligns perfectly with our goals. Her memoir not only sheds light on a crucial part of Canadian history but also emphasizes the importance of accessibility in all its forms.
We are proud to support and promote such important literature, ensuring it reaches as many readers as possible.
Conclusion
North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner is more than a memoir; it is a bridge between the past and present and a vessel for voices that must not be forgotten.
Through her heartfelt narration and commitment to authenticity and accessibility, Marie Wilson brings these stories to life, allowing us all to engage with this essential piece of history.
At CNIB Beyond Print, we are honored to be part of this journey, promoting literature that is inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of ability.
We celebrate Marie Wilson’s remarkable work and our collective efforts to make reading a truly universal experience.
To learn more about our initiatives and how you can support the Born Accessible movement, contact us.
The accessible DAISY audiobook is available on CELA’s website: https://celalibrary.ca/node/25158645.
The print version is available on the House of Anansi website: https://houseofanansi.com/products/north-of-nowhere