Behind the Bricks

<p>From the outside the Mohawk Institute looks like a large and welcoming school building. When one looks behind the bricks of the school however a much different story becomes apparent. Conceived and overseen by Six Nations community member Richard W. Hill Sr. <em>Behind the Bricks</em> is an important work that provides deep insight into the Mohawk Institute Canada's first and longest-running residential school operating from 1828 to 1970 in Brantford Ontario. Many see the Mohawk Institute as a model for the residential school system. </p> <p><em>Behind the Bricks</em> brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts. The book begins with an overview that traces the history and context of the school and the remainder of Behind the Bricks touches on a broad array of topics from the experiences of students to archaeology and architecture to the role of religion and beyond drawing on a wide variety of sources including government documents church records and oral history. </p> <p><em>Behind the Bricks</em> examines the policies and motivations that shaped the experiences of all three parties involved with the school--the government the church and the students and their communities. </p> <p>A thorough and thoughtful history that provides deep insight into over a century of institutional operation <em>Behind the Bricks</em> is an essential work that tells us not only about the Mohawk Institute but the entire residential school system providing a window into the past with the goal of working towards a future of truth and reconciliation.</p>