Indigenous Cultural Practices

Vibrant traditions, rich histories, and strong voices—that’s the Cherokee Nation. In this inspiring nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and culture of one of the United States’ largest Indigenous groups. Explore how the Cherokee people still survive—and thrive—by safeguarding their language, reviving customs, and upholding celebrations, like the annual Cherokee National Holiday that honors their heritage. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Cherokee author Twila M. Barnes provides young learners with important insights into the past, present, and future of the Cherokee people.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

A modern story of traditional Indigenous knowledge from the author of The Sharing Circle that teaches young readers about the importance of the Friendship Centre for urban Indigenous peoples.

Matthew is visiting his uncle in the big city! He can't wait to tour the Friendship Centre, where Uncle Hunter works, and enjoy all the food, activities, and resources it has to offer.

With language classes, drumming circles, feasts, and more, Matthew learns that the Friendship Centre provides a home away from home for urban Indigenous people. It's a space created for Indigenous people by Indigenous people, and Matthew feels welcomed right away. Matthew drums, smudges, and tastes freshly baked bannock, but his favourite parts of his visit are the people he meets.

From the author of Sweetgrass, The Gathering, and The Sharing Circle, and the illustrator of Muinji'j Asks Why, this story welcomes all into a safe and inviting community space.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Indigenous Knowledge Series.

Additional Information
32 pages | Paperback 

Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Hopi people.

Did you know that the Hopi people have always lived on three mesas, big flat-topped hills, in Arizona? This accessible nonfiction picture book introduces the Hopis’ creation story, history, beliefs, daily ways of life, and more. Learn about the Hopi secret societies, underground kivas, kachina masks, the snake dance, and more.

Expertly reviewed by members of the Hopi tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Hopi people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a section on modern life.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.50" | Paperback

Colorful celebrations, ancient histories, and enduring customs—that’s the Inuit people. In this insightful nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and customs that connect Inuit communities across the vast Arctic landscape. Explore how the Inuit people thrive in Earth’s northernmost regions by honoring their language, preserving traditional ways of life, and gathering for celebrations, such as Kivgiq, a joyful festival of music, drumming, and dance. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and stories—Iñupiaq author Tia Tidwell offers young learners valuable insights into the past, present, and future of this remarkable culture.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

Time-honored values, majestic landscapes, and a resilient spirit—that's the Lakota Nation. In this insightful nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and heritage of Lakota communities across the Northern Plains. Explore how the Lakota people continue to thrive by preserving their language, practicing timeless traditions, and celebrating respected ceremonies, like the annual Sun Dance, which brings relatives together in community and prayer. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Lakota author Tracy Hauff introduces young learners to the past, present, and future of this vibrant culture.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

Spiritual ceremonies, powerful storytelling, and timeless wisdom—that’s the Navajo Nation. In this captivating nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and traditions that unify the Navajo Nation. Learn how the Navajo people continue to thrive in the Southwest by preserving their language, celebrating cultural practices, and participating in meaningful ceremonies, such as the Kinaaldá, a coming-of-age ritual for young women. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Navajo author Jennifer R. Denetdale shares valuable insights into the past, present, and future of this resilient culture.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

In this new and updated edition, award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Navajo peoples.

Did you know that Navajo children were given their own lambs to signal their transition into adulthood? Learn about the Navajo’s creation story, resistance and resilience against Spanish colonizers, forked-stick hogan homes, sand paintings, and more.

Expertly reviewed by a member of the Navajo tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Navajo people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a section on modern life and contemporary photos

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.50" | Paperback

Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Nez Perce peoples.

Did you know that the Nez Perce believed that humans had to seek a spirit helper to find their purpose in life through a vision? Learn about the Nez Perce’s creation story, history, belief, daily ways of living, introduction to the horse, and more in this accessible introduction.

Expertly reviewed by a member of the Nez Perce tribe, this updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Nez Perce people of the past and present. Historical information is accompanied by a letter from a member of the Nez Perce tribe and a section on modern life.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.5" x 9.5" | Paperback

Spirited powwows, close family ties, and a deep connection to the land—that’s the Ojibwe Nation. In this captivating nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and customs that shape Ojibwe life across the Great Lakes region. Uncover how the Ojibwe people continue to thrive by preserving their language, celebrating traditions, and gathering at powwows, where drumming, dancing, and storytelling keep their culture alive. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and crafts—Ojibwe author Kim Sigafus provides young learners with meaningful insights into the past, present, and future of this enduring culture.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Seminoles people.

The Seminoles are known as “the people who never surrendered.” As White settlers continued to encroach on their land, the Seminoles moved farther and farther into the Florida Everglades and adapted to their new environment with their hard work and ingenuity. And after defending their land in three Seminole wars, they never signed a formal peace treaty with the United States.

This accessible nonfiction picture book introduces the Seminoles’ early history, daily way of life, ceremonies, and more. Learn how they adapted to the Florida Everglades and their unique cultural practices, like their flat roll hairstyle and the role of an ever-burning fire in the annual Green Corn Dance. This updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Seminole people of past and present. The back of the book includes a section on Seminole life today.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.55" x 9.47" | Paperback

Strong kinship, rich stories, and lasting traditions—that’s the Seneca Nation. In this engaging nonfiction book for young readers, discover more about the people, places, and practices that connect Seneca communities across the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn how the Seneca people thrive today by safeguarding their language, maintaining customs, and honoring their heritage through ceremonies and council gatherings. Through interactive activities and engaging features—including maps, timelines, recipes, and stories—Seneca author Dr. Faye Lone offers young readers a window into the past, present, and future of this enduring culture.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

This book is part of the Indigenous Peoples series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | Paperback 

There was a time when the Anishinaabeg (Human Beings) were not living together in balance and in Harmony with Mother Earth or with one another.

The Seven Grandfathers asked their Oshkaabewis (Helper/Messenger), to find someone to carry their Teachings. Oshkaabewis met Little Boy and introduced him to The Seven Grandfathers who welcomed Little Boy and shared their Gifts with him. These Gifts are now known and called The Seven Grandfather Teachings.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 4 to 6.

Additional Information
24 Pages | Hardcover

Award-winning author Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve introduces young readers to the Sioux peoples.

The buffalo was the center of Sioux life. After hunting buffalo on horseback, the Sioux people would use every piece of the animal, making food, beds, clothing, storage boxes, and even sleds from the ribs! Discover how the Sioux people lived on the Great Plains with this accessible introduction. Learn about the Sioux creation story, life in the village as a kid, the importance of their feathered headdresses, and more.

This updated edition provides the most up to date and accurate information on the Sioux people of past and present. The back of the book includes a section on Sioux life today, proper names for all of the Sioux tribes, and an excerpt from the Lakota pipe ceremony.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

This book is part of the First Americans series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.55" x 9.47" | Paperback

Learn about Nalijuit night, also known as Old Christmas night, a tradition in Inuit communities across Labrador!

In They Come Off the Ice, debut Inuit author Andrea Andersen introduces young readers to a unique celebration that takes place in Inuit communities across Labrador: Nalujuit night!

Each January 6th, also known as Old Christmas night, something comes lurking off the ice and into town. With their faces hidden, long sticks in their hands, and carrying bags full of . . . candy? The beings approach in the snowy darkness. What do they want?

Knock, Knock, Knock

Open the door if you dare!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.50" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

Learn about the Thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back with this easy to read beautifully illustrated rhyming book. A great tool to help young children understand and learn the many teachings of the thirteen Moons on Turtle's Back.

Educator Information
Recommended for Grade 1 students.

Additional Information
Hardcover