First Nations

The dual-language edition, in Plains Cree and English, of Stolen Words, the award-winning story of the beautiful relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. When she asks her grandfather how to say something in Cree, he tells her that his language was stolen from him when he was a boy. The little girl then sets out to help her grandfather find his language again.

This sensitive and warmly illustrated picture book explores the intergenerational impact of the residential school system that separated young Indigenous children from their families. The story recognizes the pain of those whose culture and language were taken from them, how that pain is passed down, and how healing can also be shared.

Educator Information
This dual-language edition is in Plains Cree and English. The translation was carried out by two Plains Cree language speakers, Dolores Sand from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and Gayle Weenie from Sweetgrass First Nation. Language consultation and assistance was provided by the Cree Literacy Network.

Recommended for ages 6-9; Grades 1-3.

Guided Reading: Q
Lexile: 530L

Subjects: Character Education (Empathy, Family & Friendship); History & Social Studies (Canadian History, First Nations & Indigenous Peoples); Reflecting Diversity.

This resource is also available in French: Les mots voles

This resource is also available in English only as Stolen Words.

Additional Information
28 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

Neekah is thrilled that she can finally learn to knit like her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother before her. But knitting a toque for Grandma Dorothy is not as easy as she had imagined. A lyrical celebration of the tradition of Cowichan knitting among the Coast Salish peoples and the joy of creating something with your hands.

Neekah’s great-grandma, Mumma, knit all her life. Her Grandma Dorothy knits, her mom knits, and all her aunties knit. Even some of Neekah’s uncles knit. And Neekah wants to knit too. Every year she asks her mom if she can learn, and every year she hears, “Be patient. Your hands aren’t quite big enough yet.”

At last Neekah is ready to learn, her head and heart bursting with the colourful patterns and designs she will create with the wool. She sits down with her mom, holding the wooden needles Grandpa Carl has made for her and the wool from Auntie Joni’s wool shop. But knitting a toque for Grandma Dorothy is not as easy as she had imagined.

From award-winning author Sylvia Olsen comes a lyrical celebration of the tradition of Cowichan knitting among the Coast Salish peoples and the joy of creating something with your hands. Combined with Sheena Lott’s exquisite watercolours, families will love to share this cozy, loving story that carries the clicking of knitting needles down through the generations to a young girl holding her first set of needles.

Reviews
“This gentle and inspiring story—with outstanding illustrations—will be read over and over again. Love threads itself through the book as knowledge and skills are passed among generations: love of family, love of learning, love of tradition; plus perseverance, the joy of discovery, creativity, and the importance of patience. A simply wonderful book.” —Meg Swanson, Knitting designer, author, and owner of schoolhousepress

“Neekah’s Knitting Needles reminded me of my childhood and the great times I had with my grandfather, Xaniimastan (Peter Mitchell), sitting on his lap while he taught me cultural songs from the bighouse. I really enjoyed reading about a young person who wanted to learn and how knitting taught her our cultural lessons about never giving up and about Respect, Patience, Generosity, Hard Work, Love, and Caring. I was lifted up when I read how proud she was to give away her first toque.” —XanIImastan, TIm HarrIs, Stz’uminus First Nation Principal, W̱ SÁNEĆ Leadership Secondary School

Educator's Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Additional Information
8" x 10" | 40 Pages

Neekna and Chemai are two little girls growing up in the Okanagan Valley in the time before European contact. Through these two friends, we learn about the seasonal life patterns of the Okanagan First Peoples. The girls spend time with Great-Grandmother, who tells them about important ceremonies, and they gather plants with Neekna's grandmother. Grandmother explains how bitterroot came to be an important food source, and why the people give a special ceremony of thanks at its harvest. Grandmother also tells the story of how a woman was changed to a rock to watch over the Okanagan Valley. Neekna understands how important it is that she has received the knowledge passed down for generations, from great-grandmother to grandmother to mother.

Educator Information
Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2019-2020 resource list as being useful for grades 2-7 in these subject areas: Career Education, English Language Arts, Social Studies.

Key Points:

• Learn about the seasonal life patterns of the Okanagan people.
• Armstrong's main goal in writing is to educate young people about Indigenous culture and history.
• Both educator and protector, Jeannette Armstrong is a professor of Indigenous Studies and a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Philosophy. Her research into Indigenous philosophies and Okanagan Syilx thought and environmental ethics that are coded into Syilx literature has been recognized locally and globally, and she serves as an active member of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the En’owkin Centre.

Additional Information
52 pages | 5.00" x 7.00" | 3rd Edition

Determination, teamwork, and perseverance together bring clean water for Nibi and all her friends.

Nibi is the Anishinaabemowin word for water. In Nibi's Water Song, an Indigenous girl is on the search for clean water to drink. Though she is faced with repeated obstacles, Nibi's joyful and determined energy becomes a catalyst for change and action as her community, and then in widening circles the country and government, rally around her to make clean drinking water available for all. In a story perfectly levelled for young readers, there is a strong underlying message that even when a problem seems too large to face, every bit that everyone does helps. And inaction in the face of a wrong is not an option.

Sunshine Tenasco, an Anishinabeg activist for clean water, has an amazing optimistic spirit that shines through her writing. The hopeful tone and lyrical read-aloud quality of this gentle allegorical tale open the door to conversations and action aimed at young children, whether they are on a reserve that does not have clean water or they are living with access to clean water. Chief Lady Bird's stunning, original artwork carries through the themes of strength, hope, and resilience in an incredible collaboration of talent.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-8.

Features of this book include:

• An upbeat story about the importance of clean water.
• Encourages discussion on other environmental issues.
• Author and illustrator are both active in youth outreach and education in their communities.
• Models a way children can bring about change —demonstrating that though young, they are not powerless.

This resource is also available in French: Nibi a soif, très soif

This resource is available in a dual-language format of English and Anishinabemowin: Nibi nigomon/Nibi's Water Song

Additional Information
32 pages

Métis author, Spencer Sheehan-Kalina, uses poetry to highlight the beauty of the Nootka Sound and the animals that live there, with Aboriginal connections to the poem's content. Learn all about the traditional harvesting of the land plants and sea life by Nootka Sound's Indigenous people- the Mowachaht/Muchalaht.  In addition, young readers will learn the Indigenous words of the animals that live in the Nootka Sound area. The Aboriginal connections in this children's book align with the BC curricular competencies of kindergarten to grade 3.

Nootka Sound in Harmony was released to coincide with the 2019 Year of Indigenous Languages.

Educator Information
Indigenous Children's picture book - Ages 3-8

With appreciation for permissions and support from the Cultural Resource Centre committee and Chief Jerry Jack of the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation in Tsaxan, BC.

Additional Information
8" x 8" | 32 pages

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"

How does a mother bear feed her babies? Off the land, of course.

A mother bear shares with her cubs how to be grateful for all they have in the natural world. The Bear's Medicine shows the interconnectedness of all things in the world they live in and how each season brings changes and blessings for the bears. It is a story of a mother's love for her children as she teaches them how to survive.

Written in English and Dakelh.

Awards

• Winner of the 2020-2021 First Nation Communities Read's Indigenous Literature Award

Reviews
"In this bilingual story, a mother bear teaches her cubs how to live in relationship to the land. Emphasizing gratitude, interdependence, and ancestry, Cree/Dakelh author and artist Gauthier conveys the wisdom of growing up and cultural inheritance through the movements of a bear family.... Valuable for its rich imagery and simple yet multifaceted storytelling, this stands as a beautifully told, #ownvoices offering that focuses less on plot and more on fascinating concepts." - Kirkus Reviews

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6-8.

Keywords: bear, Indigenous, interconnectedness, medicine, nature, animals. 

Recommended in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list as being useful for grades 1-3 in these areas: Science and Social Studies.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.00" x 8.00" | Dakelh translation by Danny Alexis and Theresa Austin

The Eagle Feather Story is a beautiful and ancient Dakelh (Carrier Peoples) story about learning to respect people who live their lives with integrity. The story features both the Dakelh and English languages. There is also sections that provide readers with an overview of the Dakelh culture, history and territory. For all ages.

The Eagle Feather Story utilizes concepts from the Dakelh culture to teach about respecting each other and our Mother Earth. The story is beautifully illustrated and features creatures from the Dakelh territory as characters who struggle, but eventually, learn to embody the characteristics and principles that we all strive to live by. The Eagle Feather Story is a tale that encourages people, young and older too, to try to be the best they can be. 

Educator Information
This a picture book that is recommended for all ages by its publisher.

Dual-language in Dakelh and English languages.

Storyteller: Francois Prince

Dakelh Language & Translations: Francois Prince and Aggie Anderson 

Cultural Advisors: Leona Prince, Mark Barfoot, Kelly Brownbill 

Includes a page of questions at the end of the book, entitled "Thoughts For Inquisitive Minds", for children to answer.  These questions and discussion prompts relate to the book's content and prompt further conversation, learning, and inquiry.

Additional Information
Approx. 25 pages 

Listen to the beating drum
It tells a hundred stories
Of our people, of our homeland
Some of birds and beasts and sweet grass.
Close your eyes and listen
You might come to hear a story
That no one hears but you alone
A story of your very own.

Renowned Cree painter Allen Sapp's inspired and stunning artwork beautifully complements this sweet story of a young First Nations boy preparing for his first pow-wow. The young boy's Nokum—his beloved grandmother—guides him through the exciting day and watches over him as events unfold. David Bouchard's rhythmic and informative text is based on remembrances from Allen Sapp's childhood.

Winner of the Governor General's Literacy Award, The Song Within My Heart is a beautifully crafted picture book that refects the wonders of life on a reserve, the importance of the pow-wow, and ultimately, the love between grandmother and grandson.

Reviews
"Sapp's illustrations, rendered in thickly textured oil paint, emphasize the bond and love that the boy feels for his grandmother. The sense of emotional connection to a powwow is portrayed through the spare, poetic text. . . A strong offering about powwows, familial love, and finding understanding from within."— School Library Journal

"A heartfelt intergenerational story about knowing and preserving heritage and love between elders and young ones. . . Bouchard's rhythmic text successfully conveys an emotive and sensory approach to the relationship between the two, enriching the story and echoing the hand-lettered onomatopoeic syllables that represent chanting and drumbeats. Sapp's profound paintings bring sincere and reassuring images that support and enhance the tale. A stunning picture book that celebrates life, family relations, and determination to preserve traditions and heritage."— Kirkus Starred Review

"Based on Cree painter Allen Sapp's childhood memories of life on a reserve in Saskatchewan, The Song Within My Heart tells of a young boy who is getting ready to go to a pow wow. Woven throughout the story is the boy's close relationship with his Nokum (grandmother). Bouchard's lyrical text, with its thoughtfully chosen words, evokes a quiet, introspective mood. Richly textured and infused with an almost radiant light quality, the illustrations reinforce strongly the simplicity of life on a reserve, the significance of the pow wow and, of course, the love between grandmother and grandson. Beautifully crafted. Highly Recommended." — CM Magazine

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 8-12

Bilingual: Cree/English

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 7.25"

Celebrated Mi'kmaw artist behind The Thundermaker returns with a story about friendship and the importance of traditional knowledge.

From the bestselling creator of The Thundermaker comes another adventure featuring Little Thunder and Wolverine — a trickster, who is strong and fierce and loyal. The two are best of friends, even though Wolverine can sometimes get them into trouble. Their favourite pastime is eel fishing, whether it's cutting through winter ice with a stone axe or catching eels in traditional stone weirs in the summer. But that all changes one night, when they encounter the giant river eel — the eel that is too big to catch. The eel that hunts people!

At once a universal story of friendship and problem-solving, Wolverine and Little Thunder is a contemporary invocation of traditional Mi'kmaw knowledge, reinforcing the importance of the relationship between the Mi'kmaq and eel, a dependable year-round food source traditionally offered to Glooscap, the Creator, for a successful hunt.

Educator Information
Recommended ages: 4-8

Additional Information
40 pages | Paperback

Water warriors and tree protectors, Ethan and Isla cook, have many questions to ask Siri about the state of the world.  This book is their conversation, with pictures by their dad, Rande.

Illustrations with conversations are an Indigenous way of showing rather than telling, and Yo! Wiksas? is a great book for curious kids who ask big questions, and adults who help them discover answers about bullying, environmental protection, inclusivity, and more. Also a useful classroom adjunct to interpersonal relationships; includes an on-end study guide.

The book shows an illustrated conversation between Isla and Ethan, son and daughter of Kwakwaka’wakw Chief Rande Ola K’alapa, a much-loved artist of mixed European and Indigenous descent, and their invisible friend Siri. Isabel Rogers, also a kid, is part of the story-telling process.

Reviews
Excerpt from the Afterword from the author:

Educator Information
This book was developed by Linda Rogers and Rande Cook (Rande Ola K'alapa). It is questions for the Creator that have been diverted to Siri, a game Rande plays with his kids Ethan and Isla. 

Consider this book to be a bridge, a route to one important thing: Kindness... The books' creators want lots and lots of kids to share in on their fun and to think about their own questions, and discover their own answers.

Includes a Kwak'wala glossary, as well as an Afterword and Study Guide. 

Additional Information
76 pages | 8.00" x 9.00"

Authenticity Note: Because this story is a collaborative effort, with words by Linda Rogers with big helps from Isla, Ethan, Isabel, and Siri, and illustrations from Rande Cook, it has been given the Authentic Indigenous Text and Artwork labels.  It's up to readers to determine if the text in this work is authentic for their purposes.

This whimsical story celebrates the revitalization of Cree dialects and traditional methods of storytelling.

During an unfortunate mishap, young Awâsis loses Kôhkum’s freshly baked world-famous bannock. Not knowing what to do, Awâsis seeks out a variety of other-than-human relatives willing to help. What adventures are in store for Awâsis?

Additional Information
28 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

One kiss, two kiss, three kiss, four! So many kisses and so many more. From bestselling author Richard Van Camp comes a delightful counting book that honors families and can be used to praise your little ones as they learn to count. Ten kisses from your sweet baby might not be enough to get you through this adorable book, so you'll just have to read it over and over!

Educator Information
This book is a dual-language book in English and Plains Cree Y dialect.

Recommended for Grades K-2 for the following subject areas: English Language Arts, Indigenous Language, Social Studies.

Translated by Mary Cardinal Collins.

Additional Information
26 pages | 7.00" x 7.00" | Board Book

Authenticity Note
Because this book is written and translated by an Indigenous author and translator, and because it contains Cree language, an element of Indigenous culture, this work has received the Authentic Indigenous text label and a text content label of Cree.  The story itself and the images within the book are not specifically Indigenous or Cree, however.

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

Alex is attending her first Mi'kmaw spiritual gathering, or mawiomi. Though she is timid at first, older cousin Matthew takes her under his wing. Meeting Elders along the way, they learn about traditional Mi'kmaw culture: the sacred fire, drumming, tanning and moccasin decorating, basket-and canoe-making, and enjoy a Mi'kmaw feast. Most importantly, Alex finds her voice in the talking circle.

With contemporary illustrations by the bestselling illustrator Arthur Stevens, The Gathering is an inclusive story that will educate and entertain Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended ages: 4-7

Recommended in the "Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2019-2020" resource list as being useful for K-4 students in the areas of English Language Arts and Social Studies.

This book is part of the Indigenous Knowledge Series.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 10.00"