The Defiant 511 of the Alberni Indian Residential School
by Evelyn Thompson-George and Art Thompson

---

Many Indigenous children experienced the grim realities of residential schools—from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse to malnourishment, forced religious indoctrination, and attempted cultural eradication. In this memoir, Evelyn Thompson-George shares her father’s deeply personal account of his time at the Alberni Indian Residential School, where he endured unimaginable abuse from ages five to thirteen. Despite the trauma he faced in remembering and retelling his story, Art Thompson made the courageous decision to share his experiences and expose the grim reality of life within the walls of the residential school in hopes of finding healing and closure. Art Thompson emerged as a leader, creating the initial sparks for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada when he and seventeen other brave individuals sought accountability for the atrocities committed against Indigenous children by initiating—and winning—a lawsuit to hold the Government of Canada, The United Church of Canada, and his abusers accountable for their participation in the horrific abuses suffered by him and other Indigenous children. In writing this book, Evelyn Thompson-George used transcripts from her father’s testimony, giving readers insight into the lasting impact of residential school experiences, including the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous communities today. Art Thompson’s story is a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey toward Truth and Reconciliation and healing for Indigenous Peoples in Canada, as well as a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

---

“Evelyn nurtures a space for recognition, resilience, and healing, to reclaim power through his story and through her story, someone who was deeply affected by the trauma her father carried throughout his life.” —łuutiis Charlotte Coté, Ph.D., Professor, University of Washington, American Indian Studies “If you ever wondered what really happened within the walls of those colonial institutions this book will shed light. It is a heart-breaking but must read.” —Qwul’sih’yah’maht, Robina Thomas, Ph.D., Vice-President Indigenous University of Victoria “A lot of us "know" about trauma, but the dark specifics of trauma are often unspoken. The Defiant 511 has filled in the unspoken for me as a reader and will be with me in the work that I do, filling in the gaps of things that are not spoken, and that were unimaginable.” —Julia Hunter, Team Leader for Huu-uts-tsa-up at USMA Nuu-Chah-Nulth Family & Child Services “This book creates an important precedent in truth-telling, and as the journey of reconciliation continues, this book will serve as an important reference-point for accountability, and ultimately healing.” —Lou-ann Ika’wega Neel, Program Lead, Rogers Indigenous Film Fund, Creative BC, Kwakwaka'wakw Visual Artist

---

Evelyn Thompson-George promised that she would never let her father’s voice disappear. In an era where such conversations were rare, Art Thompson bravely recounted his experiences at the residential school, encouraging more Indigenous Survivors to come forward and talk about their experiences. Art worked tirelessly throughout his life to ensure that his family, Canada, and the rest of the world knew and understood what happened to him and many other Indigenous children and families. Her father was also a great teacher for Evelyn, and she has carried on his legacy by writing his memoir and sharing his story with future generations so that they too can learn and heal. Evelyn won second place in a Victoria School District writing contest for First Nations students. Her essay, entitled “My Inspiration” and written about her father, was published in Duck Soup for the Aboriginal Soul. Evelyn now lives on the traditional lands of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation (North Vancouver, BC), with her husband, Ernie, and children, Ivan, Ernie Jr, Benjamin, and Vivian.

---

Contributors

Author

Evelyn Thompson-George

Author

Art Thompson