This week, In Search of April Raintree celebrates 40 years and a new essay collection traces 40 years of history of Indigenous resistance in Winnipeg.

In 1983 Beatrice Mosionier wrote a book about two sisters - separated by the child welfare system; one embraces her Métis identity, the other tries to leave it behind. Much of their journey mirrored Beatrice’s own life. She reflects on how she drew on those memories and how the book inspired a generation of storytellers. Forty years later - her seminal novel - In Search of April Raintree is still a must read.

Winnipeg has a long history of grassroots organizing. Many of those groups have been led by women like Kathy Mallett. Kathy is one of the editors and writers behind Indigenous Resistance and Development in Winnipeg 1960-2000. The book traces the growth of Indigenous-led groups, including the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre which she helped create in 1984. Kathy wanted to change the child welfare system to include rather than exclude Indigenous participation in decision making.