Abandonment, loss, instability, self-reliance, persistence, and fierce beauty all coexist in this compelling collection of stories of ten women who journey from victims of the child welfare system to survivors, and beyond.
In these deeply person stories- compiled by Anne Mahon after extensive interviews- the women look back through the lens of their lived experience to contribute to changing the narratives of how people who grew up in the child welfare system see themselves and how society sees them.
They also illustrate the direct and multi-faceted relationships between residential schools, the breakdown of Indigenous families, the perpetuated systemic racism of the child welfare system and oppression throughout other societal systems. Despite facing endless challenges, oppression, and trauma these women discover their power through creativity, advocacy, cultural exploration, self-awareness, education, motherhood, and extreme empathy.
Generously shared and powerfully told, these stories will educate and create change.
All author sales of the book Overcome are being donated to support youth in care and transitioning to adulthood through Voices: Manitoba’s Youth in Care Network
All photography for Overcome by Andrew Mahon Photography
Cover art for Overcome from the painting titled My Tears Turn Into Something Beautiful by book participant Jackie Traverse.
I acknowledge with respect the Annishinaabeg, Ininewuk, Anisininewuk, Dakota and Dene on whose unceded land this book was created and printed. I also acknowledge that this is the Homeland of the Métis Nation. I commit to humbly listening and working to create relationships that support truth and reconciliation.
Ⓒ 2025 Anne Mahon. All rights reserved.