8 libraries, 8 books, 1 winner!
Join your Library for our annual Simcoe Reads event! A champion from each community has chosen a book they think everyone in Simcoe County should read right now. Our competitors are Barrie, Bradford, Essa, Innisfil, New Tecumseth, Ramara, and Severn Public Libraries!
Our local champion, Nahanni Born, has chosen Bob Joseph’s engaging and relevant book, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act.
Virtual Visit with Bob Joseph
Tuesday, September 22, 6:00PM
Join us in person at Midland Public Library, or online.
Hosted by champion Nahanni Born, Bob Joseph will virtually visit the Midland Public Library and Simcoe Reads participants for an author talk. Register HERE.
Simcoe Reads Debate
Tuesday, September 29, 6:30PM
At the John Hayter Southshore Community Centre
After a summer of reading terrific books, interacting with the authors and your community’s champion, please plan to join us for the final event: a conversation between the 8 champions representing Barrie Public Library, Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, Essa Public Library, Innisfil ideaLab & Library, Midland Public Library, New Tecumseth Public Library, Ramara Public Library, and Severn Public Library. This in-person event will be at the John Hayter Southshore Community Centre, 205 Lakeshore Dr, Barrie ON L4N 7Y9 on Tuesday, September 29, at 6:30 pm. Audience voting will happen the night of the event to determine the number one book to be read in Simcoe County. Register HERE.
Join in the social media discussion by using #SimcoeReads2026.
More about Bob Joseph and 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act:
Bob Joseph, the founder of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., has provided training on Indigenous and Aboriginal relations since 1994. He also manages a blog called “Working Effectively with Indigenous Peoples”®, which is a resource that supports people in their Indigenous relations endeavours. Bob is a member of the Gwawaenuk Nation. The Gwawaenuk is one of the many Kwakwaka’wakw tribes located between Comox and Port Hardy on Vancouver Island and the adjacent mainland of British Columbia. He comes from a proud potlatch family, is an initiated member of the Hamatsa Society, and a Hereditary Chief.
Since its creation in 1876, the Indian Act has dictated and constrained the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, and is at the root of many enduring stereotypes. Bob Joseph’s book comes at a key time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo. Joseph examines how Indigenous Peoples can return to self-government, self-determination, and self-reliance—and why doing so would result in a better country for every Canadian. He dissects the complex issues around the Indian Act, and demonstrates why learning about its cruel and irrevocable legacy is vital for the country to move toward true reconciliation.
More about Nahanni:
Bringing a wealth of culture, history, and passion for storytelling to Simcoe Reads, Nahanni Born has dedicated the last 20 years to preserving and sharing local heritage as the Executive Director of the Huronia Museum.
An alumnus of the University of Vienna, she currently calls Port McNicoll home, where she can often be found enjoying the area with her two beloved dogs. She has a knack for marshalling corvids and is an authority on all things Gojira. She’s a proud member of Wasauksing First Nation, bringing a deep connection to community and history to this year’s panel.
To get all the Simcoe Reads updates and find out about the other libraries’ picks, visit simcoereads.ca