First Nations

The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful board book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.

International speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote My Heart Fills With Happiness to support the wellness of Indigenous children and families and to encourage young children to reflect on what makes them happy.

Reviews
"My Heart Fills With Happiness is a story that focuses on supporting the wellness of Indigenous children and families, encouraging them to reflect on what makes them happy. The story looks at happy memories that readers can connect to and serves as a reminder to reflect and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy." —The Dalai Lama Center 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This is the dual-language English and Anishinaabemowin hardcover edition.

This book is also available in an English-only board book format: My Heart Fills With Happiness 

This book is also available in English and Plains Cree: My Heart Fills With Happiness / Ni Sâkaskineh Mîyawâten Niteh Ohcih

This book is available in French: J'ai le coeur rempli de bonheur

Additional Information
26 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

A picture book celebrating Indigenous culture and traditions. The Governor General Award-winning team behind When We Were Alone shares a story that honors our connections to our past and our grandfathers and fathers.

A boy and Moshom, his grandpa, take a trip together to visit a place of great meaning to Moshom. A trapline is where people hunt and live off the land, and it was where Moshom grew up. As they embark on their northern journey, the child repeatedly asks his grandfather, "Is this your trapline?" Along the way, the boy finds himself imagining what life was like two generations ago -- a life that appears to be both different from and similar to his life now. This is a heartfelt story about memory, imagination and intergenerational connection that perfectly captures the experience of a young child's wonder as he is introduced to places and stories that hold meaning for his family.

Awards

• 2021 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature -- illustrated books 
• 2022 Shining Willow Award
• 2022 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award winner
• 2023 Chocolate Lily Award

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Shares and teaches some Swampy Cree words throughout the story.

Notes from the author and illustrator, as well as a glossary of the Swampy Cree words used in the story and a pronunciation guide are included.

This book is available in French: Ligne de trappe.

Additional Information
48 pages | 8.00" x 9.00"

These stories from the Peepeekisis Cree Nation tell of the Little People, Wesuketchuk, and the Sky People, and share the Plains Cree worldview, values, and spiritual beliefs.

“nipakosēyimon ēkā ta-wanihtāhk kinēhiyawātisinaw, tāpitaw awiyak ta-masinahahk ēkwan ta-pīkiskwātahk.” --Eleanor Brass, 1987

“I am hoping that our Indian culture will not be lost, that there will always be someone to write and speak about it. As the treaty reads, ‘As long as the grass grows and the water flows.’” —Eleanor Brass, 1987

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 12.

Dual-language: English and Plains Cree (y-dialect). 

Pronunciation guide included.

Additional Information
96 pages | 11.00" x 8.50"

The journey and transformation of water from the tops of the mountains down through the rivers and streams, told from a Syilx perspective.

skɬp’lk’mitkw / Water Changeling is the story of the natural water cycle from a Syilx traditional ecological knowledge perspective. The story features a water girl named skɬp’lk’mitkw who longs to visit with her grandparents. She receives help from newfound friends who change her into rain, hail and snow so she can reach her grandparents.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

Author Harron Hall has written several children's books that incorporate her Indigenous heritage and her deep commitment to protecting the land and water, including The Water Sings to Suli?, We Go with Muskrat to Those Living Underwater and Lessons from Beaver's Work.

Learn about the water cycle using the n'syilxcen (the language spoken by the Sylix/Okanagan peoples) and English languages.  This book includes some words in n'syilxcen, but it is not a dual-language resource.

Learn about the water cycle through a fictional story.

This book is part of the Follow the Water series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00"

When you go for a walk in nature, who do you see? What do you hear?

Award-winning storyteller Nicola I. Campbell shows what it means “to stand like a cedar” on this beautiful journey of discovery through the wilderness. Learn the names of animals in the Nłe7kepmxcín or Halq’emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us. Experience a celebration of sustainability and connection to the land through lyrical storytelling and Carrielynn Victor’s breathtaking art in this children’s illustrated book.

Discover new sights and sounds with every read.

Reviews
"Stand Like a Cedar is a work of grace and dignity, a celebration of land, family, and knowing who you are and where you come from and being so grateful for everything you’ve been given. Bravo, Nicola Campbell and Carrielynn Victor for creating this treasure. I love it."—Richard Van Camp, author of Little You and A Blanket of Butterflies

"Campbell’s rhythmic writing is wonderful, conveying important messages about the environment and family. Victor’s vibrant renderings accompany the engaging text nicely. Bold illustrations portray elements such as weather, nature, and animals alongside evocative details like glowing skylines. An Indigenous girl shares vivid lessons in this lovely, thoughtful environmental tale." —Kirkus Reviews

"Stand Like a Cedar is a story that connects the journey of building connections through a journey in the wilderness. Through the blended use of the Nłeʔkepmxcín and Halq'emeylem languages, readers are exposed to the healing that takes place in nature. The lyrical storytelling celebrates the healing and strength that comes from building one’s connections to their own journey." - The Dalai Lama Center

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

Learn the names of animals in the Nłe7kepmxcín or Halq’emeylem languages as well as the teachings they have for us.

Includes a glossary of phrases and a translation guide.

Includes a page of back matter on Coastal and Interior Salish Languages.

This book is available in French: Debout comme un grand cedre

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.12" x 7.75"

When the world gets too loud and chaotic, a young boy’s grandfather helps him listen with wonder instead.

Kids laughing, sneakers squeaking, balls bouncing—for Thunder, the sounds of the school day often brew into overwhelming noise storms. But when Thunder’s mosom asks him what he hears on an urban nature walk, Thunder starts to understand how sounds like bird wings flapping and rushing water can help him feel calm and connected. Gentle, inviting illustrations by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley emphasize Mosom’s lessons about the healing power of the world around us.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 7

Encourages nature appreciation and mindfulness.

Positive, affirming intergenerational (grandparent-grandchild) relationship that models consent and showcases the transmission of knowledge from elders to the new generation.

Themes: Indigenous Canadian; Environment; Emotions and Feelings; Nature

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.25" x 9.50" | Hardcover 

From Julie Flett, the beloved author and illustrator of Birdsong, comes a joyous new book about playtime for babies, toddlers, and kids up to age 7.

Animals and kids love to play! This wonderful book celebrates diversity and the interconnectedness of nature through an Indigenous perspective, complete with a glossary of Cree words for wild animals at the back of the book, and children repeating a Cree phrase throughout the book. Readers will encounter birds who chase and chirp, bears who wiggle and wobble, whales who swim and squirt, owls who peek and peep, and a diverse group of kids who love to do the same, shouting: We play too! / kimêtawânaw mîna

A beautiful ode to the animals and humans we share our world with, We All Play belongs on every bookshelf.

Awards

• 2021 Bull-Bransom Illustration Award Winner
• 2022 Best Book for Babies

Reviews
“Everyone loves to play! Award-winning author/illustrator Flett shares the joyful antics of young animals as they romp in much the same way as human children…This celebration of nature is sprinkled with words from the Cree language… [and] celebrate[s] our interconnection with the creatures who share our world.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Cree-Métis artist Flett starts with quiet, elegant portraits of animals….In spare compositions, [she] aptly underlines [the kinship between animals and people] by showing animals and humans embracing play in similar ways.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A beautifully illustrated book that introduces a series of young animals at play, then relates their activities to those of children … affirming our oneness with nature.”—Booklist

Educator Information
Recommended for babies, toddlers and children up to age 7.

This book is available in a board book format: We All Play (BB) 

Additional Information
40 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover 

From Dene artist and bioethicist Lisa Boivin comes this healing story of hope, dreams, and the special bond between grandfather and granddaughter.

When a little girl dreams about a bear, her grandfather explains how we connect with the knowledge of our ancestors through dreams. Bear, Hawk, Caribou, and Wolf all have teachings to share to help us live a good life. But when Grampa gets sick and falls into a coma, the little girl must lean on his teachings as she learns to say goodbye.

Masterful prose and stunning collage weave a gentle story about life and death that will touch the hearts of children and adults alike.

Awards

• 2022 Co-winner of the First Nation Communities READ PMC Indigenous Literature Award, Children’s Category winner

Reviews
"How we deal with loss, and the personal, cultural, and community ways we do that, is an urgent issue. Lisa Boivin's work is as soulful and compelling as it is beautiful!— Dr. Allison Crawford

"In We Dream Medicine Dreams, Lisa Boivin uses her powerful words and pictures to show us natural laws and teachings. These teachings about the medicine power of dreams, family, loss, and connection resonate with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. In sharing these teachings with us, Lisa has given all those that read her book a great gift that allows the ancestors to speak with our children. This little book full of stories and teachings, which are the core of who we are, will bring us back to our ancestral selves. I encourage everyone, young and old, to spend an evening with this charming masterpiece – you will not regret it." — The Honourable Yvonne Boyer, J.D., L.L.M., L.L.D.

“I highly recommend this book. Not only did I love the incredible illustrations, which would definitely appeal to children, I also loved how this gentle story would be a great starting point when talking to children in a classroom about family loss, death and grief.” — ETFO Voice

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 - 8.

Author Lisa Biovin’s background as a bioethicist makes her ideally placed to discuss the subject in a way that’s sensitive and also provide both healing and hope.

The bright colours and textured feel will appeal to children.

Additional Information
48 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

Encourage children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other’s well-being in their everyday actions.

Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. With vibrant illustrations from celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, this is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

This is the dual-language English and Anishinaabemowin edition.

Reviews
"You Hold Me Up is a rhythmic story that reinforces for young readers about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with others. The story aims to encourage children to build relationships, foster empathy and encourage respect between peers while considering each other’s well-being in their everyday actions." — The Dalai Lama Center 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

This is a dual-language book: English and Anishinaabemowin.

This book is also available in English only: You Hold Me Up

This book is available in a board book format in English for younger audiences: You Hold Me Up (BB)

This book is also available in English and Plains Cree: You Hold Me Up / ê-ohpinitoyahk

This book is also available in French: Tu es là pour moi

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Hardcover

Included in this bundle are all four titles in the I Am Like a TREE series:

I Am Like a TREE: BARK and KNOTS – A Story of Courage and Struggles
I Am Like a TREE: LEAVES and BRANCHES – A Story of Belonging and Growth
I Am Like a TREE: SEEDS and LEAVES – A Story of Self Care and Belonging
I Am Like a TREE: TRUNK and ROOTS – A Story of Self and Empathy

The TREE in this series is a metaphor for what we are calling your “Present Self”. Our belief, through personal experience, is that we as living beings have several emotional parts that make us a whole, our Present Self. Each of these parts though are not equal in their emotional experience, so at times, different situations for an individual can be strong while at other times not. Some experiences can keep us in a frozen stage of development without knowing this and we then respond to “like type” experiences in the same way as we did in the past.

Our intention with these conversational stories in a reader’s theatre format is to provide a window into what emotional parts a person may use while having a conversation. The side margins tell all as each conversation unfolds indicating what parts of TREE the character is using. Some of these conversations are focused on the older individual trying to find a solution while the younger individual is providing support as best they can, as a solid TREE. Our intent is to imply that emotional learning is lifelong.

We hope that through these stories we will all continue to extend a hand to those who are reaching, listen to those who are speaking, and feel with an open heart to all those heartbeats that surround us. And for ourselves, love who you are, respect your own actions, and know that you deserve kindness, love and safety and that you belong here.

The back cover introduction and content overview inside make the books in the I Am Like a TREE series great for many learning situations. In each book are four discussion questions that focus on comprehension strategies and mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual connections. The books also provide an inquiry theme to explore and include five activity ideas for independent or group use.

Scroll below to learn more about each work included in this bundle.

Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771745826

This bundle includes all four Secwépemc stories from Mike Bowden:

• Four Winds (hardcover)
• Porcupine (paperback)
• Bear and Coyote (paperback)
• Chief Goose (paperback)

Secwépemc Stories are the collaborative work of Secwépemc author Mike Bowden and Secwépemc artist Kelsey Jules. These stories convey Secwépemc teachings and embody Indigenous ways of knowing. Mike, a storyteller and educator, strongly believes in story as a way of learning and understanding the world and our relationships within it. Secwépemc language is integrated into the stories and accompanied by pronunciation guides.

These stories connect to the BC First Peoples principles of learning and provide opportunities for those reading to reflect, explore, connect and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Additional Information
Books are 8.5" x 11" | 24 Pages | ISBN 9781771746632

Scroll below to learn more about each book included.

Kenkéknem (Bear) and Sek̓lép (Coyote) are both busy preparing for the long winter months ahead. Kenkéknem eats berries while Sek̓lép dries salmon and bakes Bannock. They have always done this separately and do not want to share with each other. However, this year Kenkéknem is curious about what Sek̓lép is doing, and he is also very hungry. Kenkéknem curiosity and hunger soon get them both in trouble. This forces them to work and learn together to find out how to solve their problem. In the process, they learn through shared experiences and reflect together. They then discover that they have many new stories to share and new ways to prepare food together.

They gather their relations to share their stories in a wider circle of community in order to share this way of learning through connectedness and relationships.

Bear and Coyote tells the creation story of traditional foods and shows the possibilities that arise when we work together. This book makes for a great bedtime story or read-aloud in the classroom.

The back of the book includes recipes for Bannock (Sp̓ íxle7cw) and Saskatoon Berry Jam (Speqpeq7úw̓l).

Bear and Coyote complements other works by Mike Bowden and Kelsey Jules, including Chief Goose and Porcupine, and includes a familiar character from Four Winds.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Secwépemc Stories series.

This story is a great resource to introduce Indigenous languages to young readers. Secwepemctsín is one of 30 distinct Indigenous languages in British Columbia and is in the process of being revitalized after governments and religions developed policies to eliminate the rich language and culture of Indigenous peoples. The book integrates Secwépemc words into the text and includes a pronunciation guide on every page.

This story connects to the BC First Principles of Learning: learning is holistic, reflexive, experiential, and relational; learning involves the consequences of one’s actions; learning is embedded in story; and learning involves patience and time. Learning from Indigenous stories can be different and personal every time a story is read or told, depending on context. This book provides opportunity for those reading to reflect, explore, connect, and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Curriculum links:

• Social emotional learning: cooperation, working together, reciprocal relationships
• Reading and language skills
• Numeracy: includes recipes and encourages young learners to measure and count ingredients
• Food: gathering, preparing, and cooking traditional foods
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions

Additional Information
24 Pages | Colour illustrations | 22 x 28 cm | ISBN: 9781771745703 | Paperback

Kúkwpi7 K̓wsucw (Chief Goose) is the leader of the k̓wsucw (geese). As a leader, he relies on doing things the way his people have always done and does not want to change anything. But his people are not prepared for the long winter and Kúkwpi7 K̓wsucw realizes it is time for him to be a true leader. Following ancient protocols, he first consults the great spirit for guidance and wisdom. Then he begins the journey to lead his people in search for a better place to live during the long winter season. Through trial and error, he learns that listening to others and allowing his people to help him lead is the path to the well-being of the k̓wsucw.

Chief Goose tells the story of why geese fly south for the winter and is the perfect bedtime story or read-aloud for classrooms.

This book complements other works by Mike Bowden and Kelsey Jules, including Four Winds, Porcupine, and Bear and Coyote.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 3 to 7.

This book is part of the Secwépemc Stories series.

This story is a great resource to introduce Indigenous languages to young readers. Secwepemctsín is one of 30 distinct Indigenous languages in British Columbia and is in the process of being revitalized after governments and religions developed policies to eliminate the rich language and culture of Indigenous peoples. The book integrates Secwépemc words into the text and includes a pronunciation guide on every page.

This story connects to the BC First Peoples’ Principles of Learning: learning is holistic, reflexive, experiential, and relational; learning involves the consequences of one’s actions; learning is embedded in story; and learning involves patience and time. Learning from Indigenous stories can be different and personal every time a story is read or told, depending on context. This book provides an opportunity for those reading to reflect, explore, connect, and learn on a personal interpretative level.

Curriculum links:

• Social emotional learning: leadership, listening, social awareness, learning from mistakes and trying again
• Reading and language skills
• Indigenous knowledge and traditions

Additional Information 
24 Pages | Colour illustrations | 22 x 28 cm | ISBN: 9781771745697 | Paperback 

meʔiƛqac ʔis i ʔukłamaḥ t`uc`up

Join t`uc`up and his grandmother as they count nature from one to ten.

This book is written in Nuu-chah-nulth. But, its simple illustrations make the text easy to follow for any reader.

Educator & Series Information
Language: Nuu-Chah-Nulth

Simple illustrations make the text easy to follow for any reader.

This book is part of the T'uc'up Series.

The Port Alberni Friendship Center offers sincere gratitude to the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who contributed their Traditional Knowledge, Language Translation, and Stories so generously in the creation of the book, including the following:

yaʔałat – Kathy Robinson

wiic̓aʔin – Erma Robinson

kʷiʔiil – Katherine Robinson

yaasuisʔaks – Jessica Sault

Additional Information
21 × 21 × 0.5 cm

When the author learns of the death of her brother overseas, she embarks on a journey to bring him home. Through memories and dreams of all they shared together and through her Dene traditions, she finds comfort and strength. The lyrical art and story leave readers with a universal message of hope and love.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 12+ (Mature Picture Book)

In this emotional illustrated picture book, author and illustrator Lisa Boivin tells the story of the loss of her brother and the journey with her Dene traditions to find comfort and the strength to move on from her grief.

This book explores themes of death, memory, remembrance, comfort, and specifically Dene perspectives on death. 

The author's deeply personal story is revealed through exquisite artwork and text that are grounded in her family's Dene culture.

Lisa Boivin's experiences as an artist and bioethicist inform her story, expressed in the Indigenous way of passing knowledge through images.

Additional Information
56 pages | 6.50" x 10.00" | Colour illustrations throughout