An upcoming book launch in Williams Lake is set to inspire audiences to own their stories, speak their truth, reclaim their inner power and make cultural change in the community.
Author, motivational speaker and social change maker Jeeti Pooni grew up in Williams Lake and was a victim of sexual violence along with her two sisters. She will be launching her memoir, The Silent Stoning: Rediscovering Innocence After Childhood Sexual Abuse, in her hometown on Saturday April 6 at the Tourism Discovery Centre from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pooni’s debut book is a powerful account of her journey through trauma, resilience and hope, and offers raw, heartfelt and genuine emotion through the form of letters about her experiences living under the control of her abuser.
Pooni says it is an honour to reveal her book in Williams Lake, where the story of her childhood abuse, and her sisters’, first began, and is humbled to have the support of the entire community.
“My sisters and I are thrilled the Tourism and Discovery Centre has been opened to us for this event,” she said. “It’s like the town is opening up its heart for us and it means so much, especially coming from a place where once I felt so alone and now there is the loving support of the community.”
She added that things have come full circle for her and her sisters, as they now have the chance to make new memories of their hometown, be in service to their community and pave the way for their children and future generations.
Pooni poured her heart out into her self-published memoir, sharing intimate details in hopes of providing a lens for others to see, hear, feel and understand the impact of childhood sexual abuse.
“I wrote The Silent Stoning to honour the little Jeeti I once was, her innocence, the innocence of my sisters and daughters, and to give voice to all those who have been silenced,” she said. “This book is my gift to the world through which little Jeeti, my sisters and all the people who have been silently stoned will be heard and seen.”
The Williams Lake community and surrounding areas have always supported Pooni and her sisters, as they previously told their story through a National Film Board of Canada documentary, Because We Are Girls, which premiered in Toronto in 2019. Pooni was a driving force behind the film.
Tickets to the book launch are available by donation at the Cariboo Friendship Society and Tourism Discovery Centre, with proceeds going to the Chiwid Transition House and PEACE program. The Silent Stoning will be available for $30, by cash or e-transfer, and is also available on Amazon.
“This is not your ordinary book launch event,” Pooni stated. “This is a celebration — the celebration of the power of your voice, an honouring of all the voices that will now be heard.”
Pooni added that the event will be an incredible opportunity for guests to get their book signed, mingle with the community and join in a question and answer session with herself.