A common misconception about Truth and Reconciliation is that it solely focuses on pushing guilt, blame and recounting pain, when it’s really about acknowledging past harms and working towards a future of equality and justice.

In her new book, Alha Disnii, Corinne George takes us through her journey as a Wet’suwet’en woman raised on what is now known as the ‘Highway of Tears’. With courage, she shares her experiences about being the daughter of a residential school survivor and a WWII veteran, exploring family ties, moving to the city for university, enduring abuse and meeting her husband and love of her life, John.

Despite these obstacles, Corinne found a way to overcome by reconnecting to culture and the territory. She hopes that this book helps validate the experience of Indigenous people and communities who have endured generations of harm, but also inspires non-Indigenous people to listen, learn, and unlearn the myths that have shaped mainstream understandings of Indigenous history and identity.   

What inspired you to write and publish this book? 

The idea of writing a book had been percolating for about twenty years. My main reason for Alha Disnii is to honour my grandparents all of whom held hereditary chief names, my parents, matriarchs and ancestors. I wanted to speak to my identity as a Wet’suwet’en woman as well as my connection to our rich culture and history. When the 215 unmarked grave were found in Kamloops, it really prompted me to begin writing a book about my experience and the words just flowed naturally. 

Grief and trauma are deeply personal— how did you find the strength to explore these topics so openly? 

I started coming to terms with my own personal trauma a few years ago. My path to healing is something that I’m actively working towards, so acknowledging the pain and hurt was an important first step. Culture is healing, so I learned to navigate it from an interconnected and holistic lens. For example, growing up I heard my grandparents sing Carrier hymns, so singing them has brought me restoration and strengthened my faith in ‘Uttigai’. (the Creator). Walking on the territory also helps me feel deeply connected to the ancestors.

I train in Aikido, ‘art of peace’ which emphasizes harmony, non-violence, and self-overcoming, which is like my personal value system and Indigenous ways of healing. I also have a trauma therapist, who helps me become aware of my triggers, identify them, and provide tools to regulate my emotions. A combination of all these tools is how I found the strength to tell my story.  

Was there any moment in the writing process that felt overwhelming?  

I wouldn’t have been able to write this 10 or 20 years ago, because I wasn’t at that point yet. I still go through moments in my personal and professional life where I still go through triggers. There were moments where I was reflecting on my experiences, and the thought of putting myself out there and sharing my story was scary, but my mum and family supported me all the way and I am so grateful for them.  

What is the main thing you want people to learn from your book? 

Listen to the experience to try to understand. However, it is worthy of mention that there has been progress made towards reconciliation. These initiatives bring awareness and encourage individuals, organizations, government, businesses and communities to continue to take steps towards ensuring that Indigenous history is not forgotten.

What was your experience with publishing the book?  

Medicine Wheel Publishing were amazing to work with. From the moment I submitted my first draft, it took about a year to publish because it required edits and revisions to ensure that it is a good reader experience. The process taught me the value of patience. Patience can be hard when you have something as exciting as a first book being published. It all worked out. 

What’s next for you — do you have plans for another book or project? 

Currently, I am busy taking care of my 85-year-old mum Matriarch, Rita George. I have a full-time job that keeps me occupied. I also spend a lot of time in community. I live a busy life and haven’t yet gotten to the point of thinking about writing more. Right now, my focus will be spending time on niwh Yintah and with family as much as I can.