May 2024 Social Theory Book Club (VIRTUAL)

Welcome to the May 2024 Social Theory Book Club!

Come join us for an engaging discussion on:

Highway of Tears by Jessica McDiarmid

This month's book was chosen to honour and hold space for Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People on May 5th. As people living on stolen land under a government that continues to perpetuate violence against Indigenous women, it is our responsibilty to become knowledgeable advocates for the rights and freedoms of Indigenous women here in Canada and across the world.

Highway of Tears is a powerful story about our ongoing failure to provide justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and a testament to their families and communities' unwavering determination to find it.

Journalist Jessica McDiarmid investigates the devastating effect these tragedies have had on the families of the victims and their communities, and how systemic racism and indifference have created a climate where Indigenous women and girls are over-policed, yet under-protected.

McDiarmid offers an intimate, first-hand account of their loss and relentless fight for justice. Examining the historically fraught social and cultural tensions between settlers and Indigenous peoples in the region, linking these cases to others across Canada—now estimated to number up to 4,000—contextualizing them within a broader examination of the undervaluing of Indigenous lives in this country.

Whether you're a skilled reader or just starting out, this is a space to delve into thought-provoking ideas and connect with others wanting to engage in political and social theory.

This meeting is virtual, to nurture vibrant conversations and a dynamic exchange of ideas to foster a sense of community.

We encourage you to review what the text is saying as you work through the book on your own. Take notes on what you're unsure of, what you think the author is trying to say, and what you agree or disagree with.

Every person's understanding and input during the meeting will help shape the dialogue and create value out of our discussion. You will never be the only person who might be confused or who finds the text difficult. If you find the book too challenging and you do not finish, it is still encouraged that you come to the meeting at the end of the month. It's okay if you think you don't understand it, because you'll come to book club and learn as much as you can!

Additional readings:

In My Own Moccasins: A Memoir of Resilience by Helen Knott

Unbroken by Angela Sterritt

Unreconciled: Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance

Additional readings will be included for each month if people want to expand their understanding and knowledge on a particular topic. If possible, other types of media may be shared as well. None of the additional materials will be necessary to understand the discussion at the book club meeting and are purely supplemental for members to further one's own knowledge on topics.

Mark your calendars and get ready for our first meeting for the Social Theory Bookclub!