Powwow

Powwows are about dancing! Indigenous people in America come together at powwows to celebrate their culture and traditions with drumming, singing, and dancing. Together they remember their history and honor their ancestors. Dancers show off their best moves and fancy regalia in dances that tell stories or remember important moments in history. Lively photos and easy-to-read text help readers learn about contemporary powwow dances and traditions and their roots in the past. Readers will discover how Indigenous traditions honor the past and celebrate the present.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 7.00" x 9.00" | 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 

In this story, Miss Sam talks to the class about powwows. Miss Sam has danced at powwows since she was a child.  

Mi’gmaq gather with their community to dance and sing at powwows. This is also a time for healing and prayers. 

What celebrations do you go to? 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7, for use in kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms.

Cedar School Decodables is divided into six sets, which increase in word count and complexity of sentence structure. Miss Sam’s Powwow is in Set 4 – Longer Words, and reviews closed/closed syllable words and compound words. Books in Set 4 have 90-100 words. 

Readers should be familiar with the concepts included in Set 1 to Set 4: 

• consonants 

• beginning and end blends 

• short and long vowels 

• digraphs 

• a /o/ 

• s – /s/ and /z/ 

• -s, -es, -ed, and -ing suffixes 

• VC-CV, V/CV, VC/V, and compound words 

• possessives 

Series Information
Welcome to Cedar School! Join Liv, Tom, Gus, and Bell as they learn on the land and explore Mi’gmaw teachings with their teacher, Miss Sam, and the school’s Mi’gmaw Elder, Jen. With charming illustrations and simple storylines, this decodable series engages students as they practise their reading skills. Each book includes a pre-reading review of non-decodable words, and many of the books introduce special words related to Indigenous teachings. Talking Together prompts facilitate discussions led by the reading teacher. 

Developed in partnership with Dyslexia Canada, Cedar School Decodables is a series of 20 decodable books for young readers. Designed for students who have previously learned short vowel and consonant sounds, additional phonic skills are developed progressively throughout the series.

The series will be accompanied by Cedar School Decodables Teacher’s Guide and a series of four picture books, which will be available at a later date.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.5” x 5.5” | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746489

This lyrical and joyful picture book celebrates new experiences and community traditions when a young boy learns to dance at his first powwow. It’s Powwow Time! is for readers of Cynthia Leitich Smith’s Jingle Dancer and Oge Mora’s Thank You, Omu!

Bineshii is looking forward to his first powwow. He wakes up and travels with his mother to the community event. He eats bannock and drinks strawberry juice as he watches the dancers perform. And ever so slowly, Bineshii works his way from the edge of the circle watching the dancers to inside the circle itself, dancing and celebrating with everyone else.

Award-winning journalist Martha Troian’s child-centered text and Hawlii Pichette’s action-packed illustrations build excitement on the page as Bineshii’s curiosity and confidence grows. It’s Powwow Time! explores the rewards of being open to new experiences while also serving as a beautiful and informative introduction to a First Nations powwow.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Keywords/Themes: Early Years (Body and the Senses); Powwows; Self-Esteem; Dance; New Experiences.

This book is a wonderful read-aloud.

Includes an author's note about powwows. 

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.00"

Eight-year-old Liam attends a local powwow despite his anxieties in this installment from Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom.

Young Liam Kingbird, a shy boy from an Ojibwa reservation, is nervous about attending a nearby powwow with his best friend, Zach. However, Liam soon discovers that the crowded venue is full of magic too—from delicious Indian Tacos to lively drum circles. Can Liam overcome his anxiety and enjoy this celebration of his culture? Find out in this installment of the popular Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom chapter book series by Ojibwa author Andrew Stark.

With achievable text and colorful illustrations, all books in the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom series are perfect for early readers, grades K–3.

Educator & Series Information
Say boozhoo (hello) to Liam Kingbird! Liam is eight years old and lives on an Ojibwa reservation. Quiet, creative Liam is a thinker, a dreamer . . . and sometimes a worrier. New experiences can be scary for Liam, but talking with his mom, drawing pictures, and listening to his heart always steer him in the right direction. Featuring an introspective Indigenous boy with a cleft lip and a beautiful spirit, this charming chapter book series for K–3 will resonate with readers who like to think before they leap.

With achievable text and colorful illustrations, all books in the Liam Kingbird’s Kingdom chapter book series are perfect for early readers, grades K–3.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Additional Information
32 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

In this board book by best-selling Native author Traci Sorell, discover colors, sounds, and counting from one to ten on powwow day!

This eye-catching, interactive board book is sure to keep toddlers engaged. Count one through ten as you make your way through the day of the powwow, looking for colors, family members, jingle dresses, musical instruments, and tribal citizens in this introduction to a traditional Native event.

An award-winning children's picture book adapted to be ready for little listeners in a warm and vibrant board book edition.

Reviews
"A colorful counting book engages children to identify the different visual elements that occur on powwow day. From the car that vrooms to the shaking shiny jingle cones, the exciting expressions catch more beyond the eye. The rainbow palette is shown off in organic and youthful design work. Every number from one to ten has a corresponding color, attached to a powwow day element. Readers can identify and count these elements, from the gray feathers on regalia to the bright moccasins. VERDICT This delightful picture book allows Indigenous children to connect with and feel pride in the abundance of powwow participation, and gives all readers a great counting book full of cultural imagery."—School Library Journal, starred review

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 and under.

Additional Information
20 pages | 5.88" x 5.88" | Board Book 

From Indigenous creative team Deidre Havrelock and Aly McKnight comes a powerful and exuberant story about the heritage, joy, and healing power of the Jingle Dress Dance—a perfect read-aloud picture book.
 
It’s a special day—the day of the Jingle Dress Dance! Before the big powwow, there’s a lot to do: getting dressed, braiding hair, packing lunches, and practicing bounce-steps. But one young girl gets butterflies in her stomach thinking about performing in front of her whole community. When the drumbeats begin, though, her family soothes her nerves and reminds her why she dances.
 
Emerging historically in response to the global influenza pandemic of 1918–19, the Jingle Dress Dance is a ceremonial dance of healing and prayer that still thrives today in many Indigenous and First Nations communities across North America. Lyrically and rhythmically written with lush, full-color illustrations, Why We Dance is a joyous celebration of a proud Indigenous tradition that inspires hope, resilience, and unity.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 8.50"| Hardcover

A thunderstorm evokes a boy's family traditions, in this rainy-day story from award-winning author Melanie Florence.

Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing through puddles in his bright yellow rain boots and watching the colors of a rainbow in the water as they ripple around his feet. But most of all, Benjamin loves thunder. To him, thunder --- piyêsiwak --- sounds like his grandfather's drum. It calls to him, like the songs his grandfather plays while his father and other powwow dancers spin and step in time to the drumbeat. As Benjamin hears the thunder rumble overhead, he imagines himself as a powwow dancer. He spins, he taps his feet and he lifts his knees. Faster and faster he twirls, delighted by and filled with the rhythm of piyêsiwak.

This artfully written story from award-winning author Melanie Florence celebrates both the universal joys of playing in the rain and the connections to family traditions that center and ground us. Elements of Cree powwow culture and Cree words for colors and weather are interwoven into the story, with a pronunciation guide in the back matter.

The vibrant and eye-catching art by Hawlii Pichette, inspired by the scenery of northern Ontario, adds drama to the pages. This inviting picture book makes a perfect read-aloud for a rainy day, as well as an excellent introduction to Cree cultural traditions, local communities and experiencing nature firsthand.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in French: Benjamin, au rythme du tonnerre 

This book is part of the Benjamin Outdoors series. From dancing in the rain with thunder for a drum to planting a vegetable garden with his mom, Benjamin loves being in nature. With evocative text and vibrant art, this delightful picture book series celebrates the joys of spending time outdoors and weaves in nature-related Cree words.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Drumming, singing, and dancing are all part of being at a Powwow. Perry and his family travel all over North America to participate in these family and community gatherings. Join Perry’s two boys as they share their treasured memories of being at Powwows with their family and learning how to dance.

Reviews
“Lavishly illustrated with photographs, vivid sketches, and ledger art, Powwow Dancing With Family provides a detailed description of each stage of the Powwow, historical and contemporary aspects of the Powwow, and pays homage to Indigenous culture and customs. This informative resource will support studies of Indigenous culture, history, traditions, community, art, and family lifestyle.” – ERAC Review, May 2019

Educator Information
Includes three pages of educational material on Powwows with information found under these headings:

• What is a Powwow?
• Powwow Regalia
• Powwow Dances

About Perry Smith's Ledger Art:
Ledger Art is an art form that was developed in the mid 1800s to early 1900s by the Plains First Nations during a time when reserves were being established across North America. The ledger books were acquired in trade, war, or raids. New art supplies were also introduced: coloured pencils, crayons, and occasionally water paints. The new supplies were favoured by artists over the traditional bone and stick brushes. Many of the artworks within these ledger books display a traditional way of life, before assimilation. Today these artworks are greatly valued for the historical perspective that they offer.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8" x 8" | ISBN: 9781771746281 | Paperback

A mother — the author of this story — shares Lakota cultural experiences with her daughter, introducing her to waci (dance) as a way to celebrate life. Wacipi (powwow), where the dancing occurs, is a setting for Indigenous song, dance, regalia, food and crafts.

A warm, family story for all ages, Waci! Dance! visually embraces the joy of being together and caring for each other. (A glossary and author's note are included.)

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 9.

Additional Information
24 pages | 9.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover

In her debut picture book, professional Indigenous dancer Ria Thundercloud tells the true story of her path to dance and how it helped her take pride in her Native American heritage.

At four years old, Ria Thundercloud was brought into the powwow circle, ready to dance in the special jingle dress her mother made for her. As she grew up, she danced with her brothers all over Indian country. Then Ria learned more styles--tap, jazz, ballet--but still loved the expressiveness of Indigenous dance. And despite feeling different as one of the only Native American kids in her school, she always knew she could turn to dance to cheer herself up.

Follow along as Ria shares her dance journey--from dreaming of her future to performing as a professional--accompanied by striking illustrations that depict it while bringing her graceful movements to life.

Reviews
"A warmly illustrated memoir of dance and culture, this will have broad appeal about using art for expression and to overcome difficulties." —School Library Journal, starred review

"A moving picture book about the resilience one can find in one’s cultural inheritance." —Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.44" x 10.31" | Hardcover 

In this uplifting, contemporary Native American story, River is recovering from illness and can't dance at the powwow this year. Will she ever dance again?

River wants so badly to dance at powwow day as she does every year. In this uplifting and contemporary picture book perfect for beginning readers, follow River's journey from feeling isolated after an illness to learning the healing power of community.

Additional information explains the history and functions of powwows, which are commonplace across the United States and Canada and are open to both Native Americans and non-Native visitors.

Awards

• 2023 Wyoming Buckaroo Award

Reviews
"A heartwarming picture book about the roles of courage, culture, and community in the journey of personal healing." —Kirkus Reviews

"A resonant, hopeful tale about the healing power of community and tradition" —Publishers Weekly

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.44" x 9.31" | Hardcover

The affirming story of how a contemporary Native American girl turns to her family and community to help her dance find a voice.

Jenna, a contemporary Muscogee (Creek) girl, loves the tradition of jingle dancing that has been shared by generations of women in her family, and she hopes to dance at the next powwow. But she has a problem—how will her dress sing if it has no jingles?

The cone-shaped jingles sewn to Grandma Wolfe's dress sing tink, tink, tink, tink.

Jenna's heart beats to the brum, brum, brum, brum of the powwow drum as she daydreams about the clinking song of her grandma's jingle dancing.

The warm, evocative watercolors of Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu complement author Cynthia Leitich Smith's lyrical text in this picture book. Perfect for classroom and library sharing.

Educator Information
Suggested Ages: 4-8.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.25" x 11.00" | Paperback

Josie dreams of dancing at next summer's powwow. But first she needs many special things: a dress, a shawl, a cape, leggings, moccasins, and, perhaps most important of all, her spirit name. To gather all these essential pieces, she calls on her mom, her aunty, her kookum, and Grandma Greatwalker. They have the skills to prepare Josie for her powwow debut.

As the months go by, Josie practices her dance steps while Mom stitches, Aunty and Kookum bead, and Grandma Greatwalker dreams Josie's spirit name. Josie is nervous about her performance in the arena and about all the pieces falling into place, but she knows her family is there to support her.

The powwow circle is a welcoming space, and dancers and spectators alike celebrate Josie's first dance. When she receives her name, she knows it’s just right. Wrapped in the love of her community, Josie dances to honor her ancestors.

In this Ojibwe girl's coming-of-age story, Denise Lajimodiere highlights her own daughter's experience at powwow. Elegant artwork by Angela Erdrich features not only Josie and her family but also the animals and seasons and heartbeat of Aki, Mother Earth, and the traditions that link Josie to generations past and yet to come.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 10.00" | Hardcover 

Feel the power of the powwow dance.

Powwow is a celebration of Indigenous song and dance. It’s a journey through the history of powwow culture in North America, from its origins in colonization, the Indian Act and the Wild West shows of the late 1800s to the thriving powwow culture of today. As a lifelong competitive powwow dancer, Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane is a guide to the protocols, regalia, songs, dances and even food you can find at powwows from coast to coast, as well as the important role they play in Indigenous culture and reconciliation.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Beginning with a historical look at the origins of the powwow and then moving on to what they look like today, this book is a practical guide to the songs, dances, regalia, culture, and food associated with different powwows across North America.

This book explores how powwow culture, and an understanding of its importance in Indigenous culture, can be a part of the narrative of reconciliation.

The author is a longtime competitive powwow dancer who has travelled to powwows across North America.

This book is part of the Orca Origins series that explores cultural celebrations throughout the world.

Keywords: powwow dance, Indigenous culture, reconciliation, history, ceremonial dance.

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades 4 to 8 for English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Dance.

Additional Information
88 pages | 7.50" x 9.00" | colour illustrations / photographs