In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with Brittany Penner, author of the powerful memoir Children Like Us. Brittany shares her personal story as an Indigenous child adopted during the Sixties Scoop, offering an intimate look at how displacement, identity, and intergenerational trauma shaped her life.

Their conversation explores the complexities of family dynamics, motherhood, and belonging, as well as how Brittany’s upbringing influenced her journey to becoming a doctor. She also discusses the role of storytelling in healing, reclaiming Indigenous identity, and challenging systems that silence lived experience. This episode is a thoughtful discussion on resilience, self-discovery, and the power of memoir to reclaim one’s narrative.

What We're Talking About...

• Children Like Us chronicles Brittany Penner’s experience as an Indigenous child affected by the Sixties Scoop.
• The Sixties Scoop resulted in profound loss of culture, identity, and community for Indigenous children across Canada.
• Brittany reflects on family instability and loss, and how these dynamics shaped her sense of belonging.
• Intergenerational trauma remains a deeply rooted and ongoing issue within Indigenous families and communities.
• Regular family gatherings did not always provide emotional stability or safety during Brittany’s childhood.
• Animals, particularly cats, offered comfort, consistency, and emotional connection during times of upheaval.
• Reconnecting with her biological family brought moments of joy alongside emotional complexity and healing.
• A compassionate physician inspired Brittany’s path to becoming a doctor, reshaping her relationship with care and trust.
• Motherhood prompted deeper reflection on her upbringing, identity, and cycles of trauma and healing.
• Brittany underscores the power of memoir and storytelling as tools for reclaiming identity and owning one’s narrative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:54 The Impact of the 60s Scoop

05:33 Family Dynamics and Loss

08:49 Intergenerational Trauma

11:33 The Role of Pets in Healing

13:53 Reconnecting with Biological Family

16:39 Navigating Identity and Caretaking

21:06 Becoming a Doctor

24:06 Motherhood and New Beginnings

27:16 Supportive Relationships

30:43 Facing Naysayers

33:48 Reflections on Storytelling

36:52 The Journey of Self-Discovery

37:22 Courage in Sharing Personal Stories

Links Mentioned

Brittany Penner's website: https://brittanypenner.com