Janine Manning: The Break by Katherena Vermette celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women

June is Indigenous Book Club Month and National Indigenous History Month in Canada. To celebrate, Indigenous artists, community leaders and advocates are sharing their favourite #IndigenousReads.

Organizer and activist Janine Manning selected The Break by Katherena Vermette.

"I recommend Katherena Vermette'sThe Break. The book leads the reader on an emotional journey that sifts through traumatic events to weave powerful relationships from painful experiences. The result is a celebration of the resilience of Indigenous women, youth and families. It is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the complexity and diversity of the contemporary urban Indigenous experience, in particular that of Winnipeg's north end. The Break is a memorable journey that will make you angry, uncomfortable, hopeful and forgiving."

Janine Manning is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation and has paternal ties to the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. She resides in Toronto with her son Tarquinius where she is the manager of the Indigenous Culture Fund at the Ontario Arts Council. Prior to joining the OAC, Janine assisted with the annual coordination of the Indigenous Writers' Gathering for several years.