​​On March 11, FNHA's Vancouver Island team attended the book launch of The Defiant 511 of the Alberni Indian Residential School at the Tseshaht First Nation in Port Alberni.

The memoir, written by Evelyn Thompson-George, shares the personal and powerful story of her father, Art Thompson, who endured horrific trauma at the Alberni Indian Residential School.

“This book was written to give my father a voice again," Evelyn said. “This is his story, and it's heartbreaking to know that it is just one of many—one boy's experience in a broken system that affected thousands of Indigenous children."

The title Defiant 511 refers to the number Art Thompson was given upon arrival at the school, where he was stripped of his name and reduced to a number—511.

This experience left a lasting scar and within the first 24 hours at the institution, his hope for dignity was shattered. Discipline, screaming, orders, rules and a pervasive fear became his new reality—something he carried with him for the rest of his life.

Art went on to play a pivotal role in holding his abusers accountable, becoming one of the first to testify in a lawsuit against the Government of Canada, The United Church of Canada and those responsible for the abuse. His testimony led to the conviction of his former abuser, Arthur Henry Plint, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison for indecently assaulting young boys at the school.

Art Thompson's courageous decision to share his experiences sparked a wider conversation on truth and reconciliation, holding institutions accountable for their roles in residential schools.

Evelyn shared, “The hardest part about writing this memoir wasn't about my father's experience, it's when I play with my kids because they are the same age as my dad and other kids would have been when they were at the residential school."

Through this memoir, Evelyn is honouring her father's memory as well as following in his footsteps towards social justice.

“My goal is to bring this book to the education system, that is my next project," she said.

At the book launch, Evelyn highlighted the importance of sharing these stories to help educate future generations on the lasting effects of residential schools.

She said this book and the story it tells are not just parts of the past—they are shaping the present and future.

Evelyn and Uncle Jack.

The Defiant 511 is a vital contribution to the ongoing journey of reconciliation, offering a raw and honest look at trauma inflicted by residential schools. Art Thompson's story and Evelyn's continued work will ensure his legacy lives on, helping people in BC, and beyond, understand the importance of truth, healing and moving forward together.

Evelyn emphasized, “The most important part is our youth. I love the fact that they're standing there willing to be warriors in this conversation."

Published by Friesen Press, The Defiant 511 of the Alberni Indian Residential School is 162 pages and costs $21.99 for a paperback copy. It is available at Indigo-Chapters, Amazon.ca and other book retailers.