In this Coast Salish story, told in the voice of a young girl, she describes how she and her Granny get ready for their naming ceremony. When the special day arrives, the Longhouse fills with people who will witness and celebrate the sharing of their traditional names.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Grand-maman et moi recevons des noms traditionnels.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741279

In this Coast Salish story, step-by-step instructions for gathering wood and catching, filleting and then smoking fish are given. The text and illustrations support the reader’s understanding of the process and emphasize the respect shown by the Coast Salish people for the circle of life.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Maman, comment fait-on du poisson fumé ? 

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741224

In this Coast Salish story, it is explained how each family played a traditional role in taking care of our Mother Earth. From controlled burning to ethical hunting and fishing practices, the Coast Salish people were, and still are, taught by their elders to respect Mother Earth.

Educator & Series Information
Taking Care of Our Mother Earth is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Prendre soin de notre Terre-Mère.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741286

In this Coast Salish story, learn about the importance of the cedar tree to the culture and history of the Coast Salish people. Descriptions of items made from the wood and bark of this special tree are included. Also explained in the story is the protocol for harvesting cedar bark.

Educator & Series Information
The Cedar Tree: The Heart of Our People is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Le Cèdre, le coeur de notre peuple.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741293

In this Coast Salish story, to make up for her children’s rudeness to Snow, Mother Tree gives up her life as a tree and transforms into a great blanket of moss. The moss blanket protects the younger trees from Snow’s anger. Respect for the wisdom of the elders is a theme woven throughout this delightful story that will appeal to readers of all ages.

Educator & Series Information
The Great Blanket of Moss is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Grande Couverture de mousse.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741248

In this Coast Salish story, how Bald Eagles got their name, how Geese got their long necks and how Hummingbirds got their colourful feather coats are all told. Something is traded, something is transformed and something is taken to make this little chapter book come alive.

Educator & Series Information
The Great Trade is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Donnant-donnant.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | IBSN: 9781771741255

In this Coast Salish story, to help make their children happy, the sun and the moon make the difficult choice to part from each other. The Creator allows them to visit only at the time of an eclipse and at sunrise and sunset. The great love between the sun and the moon can be seen in the beauty of those times.

Educator & Series Information
The Sun and the Moon is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Le Soleil et la Lune.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741262

In this Coast Salish story, a wolf pup is transformed into a raven so that he can help his mother hunt during the long winter months. When the time of hardship is over, the Creator agrees to make the transformation permanent. To this day, you can hear the wolf family calling out to say goodnight to the raven who watches over them.

Educator & Series Information
Why Ravens and Wolves Hunt Together is part of the Strong Stories: Coast Salish series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Pourquoi les corbeaux et les loups chassent ensemble.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741231

Through the seasons, the stars move across the night sky. One set of stars tells the story of seven hunters chasing a big bear. Follow the stars through each season to discover the story. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about not giving up on your goals. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
Big Bear is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen'kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Grande Ourse.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741149

A long time ago, the world was just water - there was no land! Then a curious woman fell from the sky world and with the help of the birds and animals created a land to live on. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about the origin of the land where we live today. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
Creation Story Sky Woman is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen'kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Femme du Ciel

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741156

The Kanyen’kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) people each belong to a clan. A clan is like a large family. There are nine clans, each one named after an animal or bird. This Kanyen'kehà:ka story is about connecting and belonging to your family and the world around us. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
Kanyen’kehà:ka Clans is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen’kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Les clans des Kanyen’kehà:ka.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741163

The animals and the birds are getting ready for a game of lacrosse. Bat would love to play but neither team wants him because he is different than them. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about how we all have a special talent that we must respect in others. The book also includes information about lacrosse. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
The Game is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen’kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La partie.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741187

The Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) open all important meetings and gatherings with the Thanksgiving Address. This speech is about being thankful to everything around us for giving us the gifts we need to live and the importance of peace. This is a short version of the Thanksgiving Address. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
The Thanksgiving Address is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen’kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La prière d’Action de Grâces des Haudenosaunee.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741170

A long time ago, the land was very dry and no plants could grow. The people had become very hungry. The Creator heard the people and made three plants - Corn, Beans and Squash. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about how the Three Sisters saved the people then, and are still feeding people today! The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
The Three Sisters is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen’kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Les Trois Sœurs.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741194

While an old woman is making cornbread, a stranger knocks on her door. The stranger is an old man who is tired and hungry. She lies and says she does not have much to give. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about why we ought to be generous and not greedy. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
The Woodpecker is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen’kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Le pic-bois.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741200

Wampum Belts record and remind us of important events and agreements through patterns and colours. Each belt tells its own story. This Kanyen'kehà:ka (Gan-yeh-ga-ha-ga) story is about the Two Row Wampum. The Kanyen'kehà:ka is one of Six Nations that together are the Haudenosaunee.

Educator & Series Information
Two Row Wampum is part of the Strong Stories: Kanyen’kehà:ka series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Le wampum à deux rangs.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741217

As Raven flew over the forest, some of the salmonberries that he was carrying in his beak fell into the river. The berries washed out into the ocean where, “They grew and they grew until each sprouted a tail. Then two eyes and a mouth, both male and female.”

Bill Helin’s lyrical text and engaging illustrations will delight readers of all ages with this story about the origin of the salmon and its food chain and life cycle.

Educator & Series Information
Gift of the Salmon is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Le Don du saumon.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741088

In 2012, Bill Helin traveled to Hong Kong to work with a school to carve two totem poles. One pole is about the Chinese culture and the other reflects his Tlingit culture. This book describes the poles and the process of carving them over a period of three months.

Educator & Series Information
Hong Kong Story Totems is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Histoires de totems à Hong Kong.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741118

Bill Helin is a Tlingit artist, carver and storyteller. In this book, he describes the step-by-step process of making his first cedar dugout canoe. From searching for the right tree in the forest to paddling the finished canoe for the first time, each step is clearly described and illustrated.

Educator & Series Information
Making a Canoe is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Construire un canot.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741125

In this book, Bill Helin explains the importance of songs and drumming to the culture and history of the Tlingit people. He also describes the process that he went through to make his first drum. An illustrated series of directions and a supply list will give the reader a clear understanding of the drum maker’s craft.

Educator & Series Information
Making a Drum is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Fabriquer un tambour.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741101

In this beautifully illustrated chapter book, Bill Helin tells the story of how Raven freed the sun, moon and stars. The Chief of Darkness had thought he was clever to keep them all hidden away. Discover how Raven shows how clever he can be as he transforms himself to return daylight to the world.

Educator & Series Information
Raven Returns the Daylight is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Corbeau rapporte la lumière du jour.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741064

One spring day the forest animals gathered with Mother Bear to meet her two new cubs. As they emerged from the den, Raven gifted a sacred white feather (a symbol of peace and harmony) to one of them. This beautifully illustrated story of a little spirit bear is written in lyrical text and will appeal to readers of all ages.

Educator & Series Information
Spirit Bear is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Ours Esprit.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741095

Bill Helin grew up in a family of fishermen. In this book he describes some of the traditional Tlingit fishing tools and methods. Herring, salmon, halibut, cod, red snapper and oolichan are some of the fish that are described in this book and that Bill’s family is thankful for.

Educator & Series Information
Tlingit Fishing is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Pêche chez les Tlingits.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741132

In this book, Bill Helin explains the importance of stories and storytellers to the culture and history of the Tlingit people. Often using animals of the forest and ocean as characters, the storytellers wove teachings of survival, respect and family life into the fabric of their stories.

Educator & Series Information
Tlingit Storytellers is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Les Conteurs tlingits.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741071