We need to talk about genocide

The discovery of hundreds of unmarked graves near residential schools across the country has re-launched a national conversation on the word "genocide" and why politicians tread lightly around it. In this episode, Pippa and Karina talk to award-winning novelist, lawyer, and activist Michelle Good (Five Little Indians) about the legal definition of genocide and the power behind the word.

This episode deals with topics that may cause trauma invoked by memories of past abuse. If you’re a former residential school student, you can access emotional and crisis referral services by calling the 24-Hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.

Did you live near a residential school? This interactive map from the CBC will let you find out. Just plug in a year and your address, and you’ll see the closest residential school and its years of operation.

We also recommend another interactive map, Native-Land.ca, which allows settlers to educate themselves on whose territorial land they are living on.

Huge thanks to our guest Michelle Good, whose Governor General–winning novel Five Little Indians is available at bookstores everywhere. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.