Author and artist Lorrie Gallant from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Cayuga Nation, Turtle Clan, retells the story of Dawn V. Hill’s experiences in residential school in the book, The Day I Became Number 54. Using plasticine, Lorrie brings relief images to life in the pictures that accompany the text.

Life was happy and carefree for Dawn and her family. Then, when she and her siblings went to residential school everything changed. Dawn was separated from her siblings, the staff put numbers on everything, and everyone had to line up. Survival was key. 

This compelling story was written to let everyone know the truth about residential schools.