Cindy Blackstock

"Hello! My name is Sus Zul in the Carrier language. In English, people call me Spirit Bear. I am a proud member of the Carrier Sekani Tribal Council. I am on my way to Ottawa, Ontario, to witness a very important human rights case. Would you join me on this journey?"

When Spirit Bear's mom tells him about an important human rights case happening in Ottawa, Ontario, he makes the LONG trip (by train, his favourite way to travel) to go and watch, and to stand up for First Nations kids.

And he isn't the only one! Lots of children come too — to listen, and to show they care. Spirit Bear knows that children can change the world because he's there to see it happen.

This is the story of how kids — kids just like you — made a difference ... with a bit of help from some bears and other animals along the way!

Educator & Series Information
Spirit Bear and Children Make History tells the story of a landmark human rights case for First Nations children at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. Nine years after the case was filed, the Tribunal ruled that the government of Canada was racially discriminating against 165,000 First Nations children by underfunding child welfare and failing to provide equitable public services. The book contributes to the Indigenization of curriculum by centering the agency, histories and realities of First Nations children and communities. The story supports an Indigenous pedagogical approach by encouraging critical and independent thought. In keeping with Indigenous pedagogy, Spirit Bear teaches readers about Indigenous worldviews and values not through direct instruction, but through the modelling of ethical and respectful behaviour and action.

Spirit Bear and Children Make History addresses a gap in reconciliation education. There are few Canadian books for children linking reconciliation with social justice. Meaningful reconciliation in Canada requires the active engagement of children and youth. It also requires a critical and social justice approach that links the residential school system to contemporary inequities and discrimination. Educating children and families about contemporary inequities creates a foundation for change and challenges the myth that colonialism is a thing of the past.

Spirit Bear and Children Make History was written to engage a younger audience in learning about the child welfare case, and to demonstrate and affirm the powerful role of young people in the reconciliation movement. Inspired by the voices of children, and in keeping with to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, the story highlights the power of people of all ages and backgrounds to make a difference for First Nations children and families.

Recommended Grades: K-6

This book is part of the Spirit Bear series.

This book is available in French: Spirit Bear et les enfants passent à l’histoire: Basé sur une histoire vraie

Additional Information
54 pages | 8.25" x 8.25" 

Lorsque la mère de Spirit Bear lui explique cette importante cause en matière de droits de la personne qui se déroule à Ottawa en Ontario, il fait le LONG voyage (en train, son mode de transport favori) pour assister aux audiences et supporter les enfants des Premières Nations.

Et il n’est pas le seul ! De nombreux enfants viennent aussi pour écouter et démontrer leur appui. Spirit Bear sait que les enfants peuvent changer le monde parce qu’il est là pour le constater.

C’est l’histoire de la façon dont les enfants, des enfants comme vous, pouvez faire la différence...avec un peu d’aide d’autres oursons et d’autres animaux!

Educator Information
Recommended Grades: K-6.

This book is available in English: Spirit Bear and Children Make History: Based on a True Story

Additional Information
54 pages | 8.25" x 8.25"

For the past 13 years, Spirit Bear has been working hard to make sure First Nations children get the help they need when they need it so they can grow up safely with their families, get a good education, and be healthy and proud of who they are. 

It's been a long journey, and Spirit Bear needs a vacation! He and his family set out for Songhees and Esquimalt territories (Victoria, British Columbia) for their holiday adventure. Along the way, they see a statue of John A. Macdonald - Canada's first Prime Minister - being removed from the steps of Victoria City Hall. Some people have signs that say, "Save the statue," and others have signs that say, "The statue must go!" Spirit Bear and his family learn why people disagree and how we can learn from the good and bad parts of history to make better decisions now and for future generations of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit kids. 

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is part of the Spirit Bear series.

This book is available in French: Spirit Bear: echos du passe: Base sur une histoire vraie

Additional Information
51 pages | 8.25" x 8.25"

Au cours des 13 dernières années, Spirit Bear a travaillé fort pour s’assurer que les enfants des Premières Nations obtiennent l’aide dont ils ont besoin lorsqu’ils en ont besoin afin de grandir en toute sécurité au sein de leur foyer, d’être en bonne santé, d’avoir une bonne éducation et d’être fiers de qui ils sont.

Le voyage a été long et Spirit Bear a besoin de vacances! Sa famille et lui partirent pour les territoires Songhees et Esquimalt (Victoria, Colombie‑Britannique) pour leur aventure de vacances. En chemin, ils voient une statue de John A. Macdonald, le 1er premier ministre du Canada, être enlevée des marches de l’hôtel de ville de Victoria. Certaines personnes ont des pancartes qui disent « Sauvez la statue », et d’autres ont des pancartes qui disent « La statue doit partir! » Spirit Bear et sa famille apprennent pourquoi les gens ne sont pas d’accord et comment nous pouvons apprendre des bons et des mauvais moments de l’histoire pour prendre de meilleures décisions maintenant et pour les générations futures d’enfants des Premières Nations, des Métis et des Inuit.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is available in English: Spirit Bear: Echoes of the Past: Based on a True Story

Additional Information
51 pages | 8.25" x 8.25" | Paperback 

Spirit Bear is off on another adventure! Follow him as he learns about traditional knowledge and Residential Schools from his Uncle Huckleberry and his friend, Lak'insxw, before heading to Algonquin territory, where children teach him about Shannen's Dream.

Spirit Bear and his new friends won't stop until Shannen's Dream of "safe and comfy schools" comes true for every First Nations student.

Dear Uncle Huckleberry,

Look up at the stars tonight. If you look closely, you'll see Shannen Koostachin lighting the way.

Shannen knew that school should be a time for dreams and that every child deserves to have a safe and comfy school, a proper education, and to feel proud of who they are. Every child is sacred.

Did you know that many First Nations schools get less money from the government than other schools? Shannen knew this was wrong. And so do I.

And like my mom, Mary the Bear, always says, when we see something wrong, we need to help make things right!

Did you know that Lak'insxw means "grizzly bear" in Gitxsan language?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is part of the Spirit Bear series.

This resource is also available in French: Spirit Bear: pêcher le savoir, attraper des rêves : Base sur une histoire vraie

Additional Information
52 pages | 216 x 216 mm

Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams is the latest addition to the award-winning picture book series written by Order of Canada recipient Cindy Blackstock (Gitxsan Nation) and illustrated by Amanda Strong (Michif)!

Spirit Bear is on his way home from a sacred ceremony when he meets Jake, a friendly dog, with a bag full of paper hearts attached to wood stakes. Jake tells Spirit Bear that school children and residential school survivors will plant the hearts when a big report on residential schools called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC for short) is shared. The TRC will have Calls to Action so we can all help end the unfairness and make sure this generation of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children grow up healthy and proud!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is part of the Spirit Bear series.

This book is available in French: Spirit Bear: Rendre hommage aux souvenirs, semer des rêves: Basé sur une histoire vraie

Additional Information
66 pages | 8.25" x 8.25"

Gagnant de 2019-2020 First Nation Communities Read et Periodical Marketers of Canada Indigenous Literature Award!

Spirit Bear est parti pour une autre adventure! Suivez-le alors qu'il découvre les savoirs traditionnels et que son oncle Huckleberry et son ami Lak'insxw lui ensiegnent l'histoire des pensionnats avant qu'il ne se rende en territoire algonquin, où des enfants lui parlent de Rêve de Shannen. Spirit Bear et ses nouveaux amis ne s'arrêteront pas tant que le Rêve de Shannen « d'écoles sûres et confortables » ne deviendra réalité pour tous les élèves des Premières Nations.

Educator & Series Information
This is the French translation of Spirit Bear: Fishing for Knowledge, Catching Dreams.

Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is part of the Spirit Bear series.

Additional Information
52 pages | 8.10" x 8.10"

Spirit Bear revient d’une cérémonie sacrée quand il rencontre Jake, un chien sympathique, avec un sac rempli de cœurs en papier attachés à des piquets de bois. Jake dit à Spirit Bear que les écoliers et les survivants des pensionnats vont planter les cœurs lorsqu’un grand rapport sur les pensionnats appelé Commission de vérité et réconciliation (CVR pour faire court) sera partagé. La CVR lancera des appels à l’action afin que nous puissions tous contribuer à mettre fin à l’injustice et à faire en sorte que cette génération d’enfants des Premières Nations, Métis et Inuits grandisse en bonne santé et avec fierté!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 12.

This book is available in English: Spirit Bear: Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams: Based on a True Story

This book is part of the Spirit Bear series.

Additional Information
66 pages | 8.10" x 8.10"