The Circle Game: Shadows and Substance in the Indian Residential School Experience in Canada.

There are several fine books about Indian residential schools (e.g., Millar, 1996). But now we have a one with a difference. Here is a profound structural analysis by a major native psychologist. Instead of repeating horror stories and leaving the reader feeling powerless, this book goes on the attack. On the first page, it sets up the standard account of the residential school experience. Schools were organized with the best of motives, but with 20th century hindsight, the teaching methods may not have been the best. In addition, there may have been some abuse in some schools. Any resulting psychological damage can be resolved by the founding institutions excusing themselves and by supplying interventions to rebuild the psychological health of the people involved, which would …