All Our Relations is a 2018 non-fictional book examining the effects of past genocides on indigenous youth in North America. Recent studies have indicated that one out of three deaths among young indigenous people is due to suicide, likely because of persecution of these people and because they have lost their sense of identity. Although a large amount of attention is focused on other minority groups, indigenous populations are the true minority - this is why Tanya Talaga has spent most of her life writing for the cause of helping young indigenous people find their way in the world.
In All Our Relations, Talaga interviews several indigenous people to gain a better understanding of their experiences. Through these interviews, Talaga can provide readers with an insight into the true feelings and emotions of the people living these experiences. Furthermore, Talaga steers away from the common narratives of indigenous people, which often focus on violence or poverty, and instead looks at the strong sense of resilience and strength among the community. Through her work, Talaga gives a voice to those who have not been heard and provides a platform for them to amplify their stories.
Tanya Talaga is a Native American Canadian author and journalist who is an activist for indigenous health and rights. In 2017, Talaga gained much recognition for her book, Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death and Hard Truths in a Northern City. This book also explored the sad losses of First Nations youth, who likely felt that they had no place in the world. Talaga, as well as publishing two books, is a journalist for the Toronto Star.
In "All Our Relations," Tanya Talaga delves into the profound and devastating impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities, weaving together personal narratives, historical analysis, and an urgent call for justice. Building on her previous work in "Seven Fallen Feathers," Talaga expands her exploration to include the global crises faced by Indigenous peoples, from the Canadian North to the Amazon rainforest. The book serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of Indigenous cultures and the pressing need for systemic change.
Talaga's narrative unfolds with a deeply empathetic approach, amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and silenced. Through meticulous research and personal interviews, she exposes the interconnectedness of issues such as environmental degradation, violence against Indigenous women, and the legacy of residential schools. "All Our Relations" serves as both a heartbreaking expose of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and a rallying cry for solidarity, demanding a reevaluation of policies that perpetuate harm.
This impactful work cements Tanya Talaga as a vital voice in the ongoing dialogue about Indigenous rights, cultural preservation, and the urgent need for reconciliation. "All Our Relations" challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary struggles faced by Indigenous peoples while offering a vision for a more just and equitable future.
