An unsettling study of two tragic events at an Indian residential school in British Columbia which serve as a microcosm of the profound impact the residential school system had on Aboriginal communities in Canada throughout this century. The book's focal points are the death of a runaway boy and the suicide of another while they were students at the Williams Lake Indian Residential School during the early part of this century. Imbedded in these stories is the complex relationship between the Department of Indian Affairs, the Oblates, and the Aboriginal communities that in turn has influenced relations between government, church, and Aboriginals today.

"An earlier version of this book was published by the Cariboo Tribal Council in 1992"--Title page verso.

A "sacred duty" -- The Shuswap response to colonialism -- The early years of the mission school -- A death and an inquest -- The government investigation -- Runaways and a suicide -- History in the present.