First Nations

In this bilingual book, an Anishinaabe child explores the story of a precious mnoomin seed and the circle of life mnoomin sustains.

Written in Anishinaabemowin and English, the story opens at harvest time. A child holds a mnoomin seed and imagines all the life that made a single seed possible-Mayfly, Pike, Muskrat, Eagle and Moose, all had a part to play in bringing the seed into being. What will happen if the seed sprouts? Underwater leaves will shelter young fish, shoots will protect ducklings, stalks will feed larvae, in turn providing food for bats...until finally mnoomin will be ready to harvest again.

We follow the child and family through a harvest day as they make offerings of tobacco, then gently knock ripe seeds into their canoe. On shore, they prepare the seeds, cook up a feast, and gratefully plant some seeds they'd set aside.

This beautifully written and illustrated story reveals the cultural and ecological importance of mnoomin. As the author's note explains, many Anishinaabeg agree that "wild rice" is an inaccurate term for this plant relation, since part of the harvest is sown every year to help sustain human and non-human beings. Includes a translator's note.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Thi book is written in Anishinaabemowin and English.

Key Text Features:

• explanation
• illustrations
• informational note
• translations
• translator's note

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2

Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Translated by Mary Ann Corbiere, who grew up in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island speaking Nishnaabemwin. She taught her language at the University of Sudbury for many years, obtained a doctorate and continues to work on instructional resources for adult learners. She now lives in Lively, Ontario.

This book is available in Anishinaabemowin and French: Précieux mnoomin

Additional Information
36 pages | 8.75" x 8.50" | Hardcover

Naaahsa says art is a language everyone understands. Sometimes we make art together. We draw, we bead, we sing. Sometimes Naaahsa tells stories in Blackfoot. I even get to go with her to see her art show at the National Gallery. Naaahsa is famous for her art, but I love her hugs best!

Naaahsa is an Artist! is a celebration of art, artists, and Indigenous women artists in particular. Each page comes to life with bold patterns, shapes, and Naaahsa's encouraging words that may inspire young readers to want to make art themselves.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Dual-language edition in English and Blackfoot: Kainai Nation

Blackfoot translation by Norma Jean Russell and Faye Heavy Shield.

This book is available in English: Naaahsa is an Artist!

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

Naaahsa says art is a language everyone understands. Sometimes we make art together. We draw, we bead, we sing. Sometimes Naaahsa tells stories in Blackfoot. I even get to go with her to see her art show at the National Gallery. Naaahsa is famous for her art, but I love her hugs best!

Naaahsa is an Artist! is a celebration of art, artists, and Indigenous women artists in particular. Each page comes to life with bold patterns, shapes, and Naaahsa's encouraging words that may inspire young readers to want to make art themselves.

Reviews
“What a marvelous and sparkling read. How blessed are we to have Naaahsa’s wisdom for how inspiration is everywhere and, if you welcome and embrace it, the magic of the world is yours to celebrate your way in any way you wish. Thank you, Hali Heavy Shield, for sharing Naaahsa’s warmth and love. Every page feels like a hug from home.” — Richard Van Camp, author of Little You and We Sang You Home

“This book is sure to be a hit. As seen through the eyes of a grandchild, Naaahsa is an Artist! conveys the healing power of art and the importance of taking up space in institutions that have not welcomed Indigenous Peoples in the past.” — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation

“I love the grandmother/granddaughter relationship here and I love how proud the little girl is of her grandma. It’s a book I can relate to as I had a close relationship with my grandmother.” — Jodie Callaghan, author of Ga’s/The Train

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is available in a dual-language format: Naaahsa Aisinaki! / Naaahsa is an Artist!

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

Set in the community of Listuguj, Gespe'gewa'gi, Nipugtug follows the journey of A'le's (Mi'gmaw for Alice), a young Mi'gmaw woman, snowshoeing through the forest. There, she meets animals, Wapus (Rabbit), Wowgwis (Fox), Tia'm (Moose), Ga'qaquj (Crow) and trees, Masgwi (Birch), Qasgusi (Cedar) who guide her through both challenging and nourishing emotions of learning her Mi'gmaw language. Grounded in her relationship with the territory, A'le's navigates memories of her language that cling to realities within and beyond her life.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 11.

Additional Information
21 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | 4 Illustrations | Paperback

Auntie always greets Cree in Nehiyaw when she comes for a visit. When Auntie arrives with a surprise gift hidden in her bag, Cree can’t wait to discover what it is. The first clue? It’s from the rez. As Cree tries to figure out what it might be, the bag starts to move!

Reviews
"Everyone has an auntie like the auntie in this book! She is eclectic and kooky and brings surprises that come with important teachings about responsibility and reciprocity.” — Nancy Cooper, First Nations Consultant for the Southern Ontario Library Services and coordinator for First Nation

“The Auntie in this story sounds so cool and I can just imagine how exciting it would be when she came to visit. This story is fun and sweet and has a great message about taking care of our pets and one another.” — Jodie Callaghan, author of Ga’s/The Train

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Dual-language edition in English and Plains Cree, Y Dialect. Translated by Dorothy Thunder.

24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

You don't need to have all the answers to be a helper.

Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells a tale of a salmon and a sea otter who learn it's ok to say "I don't know" and to ask for help.

Thuqi’ the sockeye salmon knows it’s time to spawn, but she is lost in the Salish Sea and doesn't know the way to Sta'lo’, the river. When she asks Tumus the sea otter for help, he doesn’t exactly know either, and he dismisses her questions. But when Tumus becomes lost in some weeds, Thuqi’ shows him that it’s okay not to know something—you can still find a way to help a friend in need.

In this original story set in Coast Salish Traditional Territory, author and artist Andrea Fritz uses Indigenous storytelling techniques and art to share the culture and language of the Hul’q’umi’num’-speaking Peoples.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

This book is part of the Coast Salish Tales series.

Themes/Subjects: Nature and Animals; Fish and Marine Life; Courage, Bravery, Hope

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

Phoenix loves to play with dolls and marvel at pretty fabrics. Most of all, he loves to dance—ballet, Pow Wow dancing, or just swirling and twirling around his house. Sometimes Phoenix gets picked on and he struggles with feeling different, but his mom and brother are proud of him. With their help, Phoenix learns about Two Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag people in Anishinaabe culture and just how special he is.

Based on the childhood experiences of her son, Phoenix, Marty Wilson-Trudeau demonstrates the difference that a loving and supportive family can make.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Dual-language format: Ojibwe and English.

Translated by Kelvin Morrison (Kiitaabines), who is from Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation in Northwestern Ontario, Wazhashk (muskrat) clan. He works as an Anishinaabemowin translator at Seven Generations Education Institute, translating books, videos, and short stories, as well as Elders’ stories and resource materials for daycares, schools, and communities. He enjoys creating tools so all can learn, understand, and hear how Anishinaabemowin sounds. He also works in the Knowledge Keepers Program offered by the Fort Frances Rainy River School Board, sharing stories, cultural knowledge, residential school experience, and teachings about the Land.

Find the English version of this book here: Phoenix Gets Greater.

This book is available in French: Phoenix le merveilleux 

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.50" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

After moving from an all-French Indigenous community to the English community of St. George's when he was a little boy, Poppa's life as a young man was very sad. He was treated badly by his schoolteachers and some other children in the town.

Years later, when his grandson wants to bring him into school to play his drum for the class, Poppa is nervous but goes anyway. He is relieved to see he is welcomed and even encouraged to share his knowledge of the traditions and customs of his Mi'kmaw culture.

Thankfully, times have changed from Poppa's generation, and he is pleased to have reconciled with the bad experiences he had when he went to school. Indeed, there is strength and wisdom in Reconciliation!

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 12.

This is the first book in the Poppa series.

Additional Information
36 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | Paperback

Sally Sabe and The Seven Teachings is a story about Honesty. Let’s learn the Seven Teachings! Each story has simple and repetitive words. These Early Learner stories are for young children.

Educator & Series Information
Early Learner story.  The publisher recommends this title for kindergarten to grade 4.

This book is part of The Seven Teaching series.

Additional Information
Paperback

A magical mirror helps a young girl understand her true beauty in this new picture book from the creators of Nibi’s Water Song.

When Challa comes home in tears after being teased about her smile, her mom gives her a special gift. It’s a magic mirror — shiny, beaded and beautiful — passed on from her mom, and from her djo djo before her.

Challa’s mom tells her that when anyone looks into the mirror, they will see their true self. There’s just one rule: Everyone has to say what they see in the reflection.

At first the mirror seems to work for everyone but her. Challa keeps looking and looking. The more beauty she sees in herself, the happier she feels, and the longer she looks into the mirror, the more beauty she sees, until finally Challa sees so much beauty, she can't contain her smile!

This special story, from award-winning activist Sunshine Quem Tenasco and artist Chief Lady Bird, introduces readers to concepts of self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and recognition of the unique beauty that comes from within.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

This book is available in French here: Un si beau sourire

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.78" x 9.83" | Hardcover

Have you ever wondered why Rabbit has such long ears? Or why Raccoon is wearing a mask? In this collection of funny and unique short stories, young Skye enlightens us in a number of Indigenous teachings, passed down to her from her Ojibway Grandfather. Through her natural gift of storytelling, Skye encourages other children to embrace the art and become storytellers, too!

Educator Information
This book is recommended for ages 5 to 9.

"Each story has a special teaching, so remember to listen closely for it."

A teacher lesson plan is available for this resource: Storyteller Skye: Teachings from My Ojibway Grandfather Teacher Lesson Plan

This book is available in French: Skye la conteuse: Enseignements de mon grand-pere ojibway 

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.95" x 7.02" | Paperback

This bundle includes six copies of each of the 16 titles in the Strong Science - Animals series (96 books total).

Series Information
Strong Science - Animals is a language-based science series for primary students featuring animals that all Canadian students will recognize. Photographs and Indigenous artwork illustrate the series. Common learning objectives in science curricula across Canada are addressed, and suggestions for extending the learning to other curriculum areas, including Indigenous cultural awareness, language arts, math, and art, are included in the teacher’s guide. The sixteen books in this series are grouped into four levels that increase in complexity, designed to accommodate students with various reading abilities within a classroom. This feature facilitates the use of this series in literacy programs along with the Strong Readers series.

This series works best as a unit with the teacher's guide: Strong Science - Animals Teacher's Guide.  The series is recommended for use in a grade 1 classroom, but may also be useful for kindergarten students.

Books in this series are divided into four levels: Early Primary 1 (EP1); Early Primary 2 (EP2); Early Primary 3 (EP3); Early Primary 4 (EP4). Font size decreases as language complexity and word count increase across levels: EP1 books have approximately 40 words, EP2 books have approximately 60 words, EP3 books have approximately 80 words, and EP4 books have approximately 100 words.

Authenticity Note: In the series, titles by author Kim Soo Goodtrack have received the Indigenous Text label because she is Indigenous (Lakota) and the featured animal in each story holds cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. The engaging stories provide factual information in an easy-to-read format for children to learn science concepts and build literacy skills. They promote respect for animals and Mother Earth, and their illustrations communicate additional cultural information through Lakota symbolism and designs. Further cultural connections are identified in the teacher's guide. Refer to the guide to explore the books' Indigenous connections fully.

Series Authors: Brenda Boreham and Kim Soo Goodtrack
Series Illustrator: Kim Soo Goodtrack

Additional Information
Each book is 16 Pages | Each book is 6.5" x 5.5" | Paperback | ISBN: 9781771746267

This bundle includes one copy of each of the 16 titles in the Strong Science - Animals series (16 books total).

Series Information
Strong Science - Animals is a language-based science series for primary students featuring animals that all Canadian students will recognize. Photographs and Indigenous artwork illustrate the series. Common learning objectives in science curricula across Canada are addressed, and suggestions for extending the learning to other curriculum areas, including Indigenous cultural awareness, language arts, math, and art, are included in the teacher’s guide. The sixteen books in this series are grouped into four levels that increase in complexity, designed to accommodate students with various reading abilities within a classroom. This feature facilitates the use of this series in literacy programs along with the Strong Readers series.

This series works best as a unit with the teacher's guide: Strong Science - Animals Teacher's Guide.  The series is recommended for use in a grade 1 classroom, but may also be useful for kindergarten students.

Books in this series are divided into four levels: Early Primary 1 (EP1); Early Primary 2 (EP2); Early Primary 3 (EP3); Early Primary 4 (EP4). Font size decreases as language complexity and word count increase across levels: EP1 books have approximately 40 words, EP2 books have approximately 60 words, EP3 books have approximately 80 words, and EP4 books have approximately 100 words.

Authenticity Note: In the series, titles by author Kim Soo Goodtrack have received the Indigenous Text label because she is Indigenous (Lakota) and the featured animal in each story holds cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. The engaging stories provide factual information in an easy-to-read format for children to learn science concepts and build literacy skills. They promote respect for animals and Mother Earth, and their illustrations communicate additional cultural information through Lakota symbolism and designs. Further cultural connections are identified in the teacher's guide. Refer to the guide to explore the books' Indigenous connections fully.

Series Authors: Brenda Boreham and Kim Soo Goodtrack
Series Illustrator: Kim Soo Goodtrack

Additional Information
Each book is 16 Pages | Each book is 6.5" x 5.5" | Paperback | ISBN 9781771746250

This story is about a beaver home.

Beavers make homes out of sticks, rocks, and mud.

There are four seasons in the year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Which season is this story about?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grade 1 students, but may also be useful in kindergarten classrooms.

Strong Science - Animals is a language-based science series for primary students featuring animals that all Canadian students will recognize. Photographs and Indigenous artwork illustrate the series. Common learning objectives in science curricula across Canada are addressed, and suggestions for extending the learning to other curriculum areas, including Indigenous cultural awareness, language arts, math, and art, are included in the teacher’s guide. The sixteen books in this series are grouped into four levels that increase in complexity, designed to accommodate students with various reading abilities within a classroom. This feature facilitates the use of this series in literacy programs along with the Strong Readers series.

A Home for the Beavers is an EP3 (Early Primary 3) book in the Strong Science - Animals series. Font size decreases as language complexity and word count increase across levels: EP1 books have approximately 40 words, EP2 books have approximately 60 words, EP3 books have approximately 80 words, and EP4 books have approximately 100 words.

A teacher's guide for Strong Science - Animals is available: Strong Science - Animals: Teacher's Guide

Authenticity Note: This book has received the Indigenous Text label because the author is Indigenous (Lakota) and the featured animal holds cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. The engaging story provides factual information in an easy-to-read format for children to learn science concepts and build literacy skills. It promotes respect for animals and Mother Earth, and its illustrations communicate additional cultural information through Lakota symbolism and designs. Further cultural connections are identified in the teacher's guide. Refer to the guide to explore the book's Indigenous connections fully. It is up to readers to determine if the book will work as a stand-alone authentic Indigenous text for their purposes.  

Additional Information
16 Pages | 6.5" x 5.5" | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-612-0

This book is about a baby beaver.

Beavers cut down trees.

Why do you think beavers cut down trees?

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for grade 1 students, but may also be useful in kindergarten classrooms.

Strong Science - Animals is a language-based science series for primary students featuring animals that all Canadian students will recognize. Photographs and Indigenous artwork illustrate the series. Common learning objectives in science curricula across Canada are addressed, and suggestions for extending the learning to other curriculum areas, including Indigenous cultural awareness, language arts, math, and art, are included in the teacher’s guide. The sixteen books in this series are grouped into four levels that increase in complexity, designed to accommodate students with various reading abilities within a classroom. This feature facilitates the use of this series in literacy programs along with the Strong Readers series.

Baby Beaver is an EP1 (Early Primary 1) book in the Strong Science - Animals series. Font size decreases as language complexity and word count increase across levels: EP1 books have approximately 40 words, EP2 books have approximately 60 words, EP3 books have approximately 80 words, and EP4 books have approximately 100 words.

A teacher's guide for Strong Science - Animals is available: Strong Science - Animals: Teacher's Guide

Authenticity Note: This book has received the Indigenous Text label because the author is Indigenous (Lakota) and the featured animal holds cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures. The engaging story provides factual information in an easy-to-read format for children to learn science concepts and build literacy skills. It promotes respect for animals and Mother Earth, and its illustrations communicate additional cultural information through Lakota symbolism and designs. Further cultural connections are identified in the teacher's guide. Refer to the guide to explore the book's Indigenous connections fully. It is up to readers to determine if the book will work as a stand-alone authentic Indigenous text for their purposes.  

Additional Information
16 Pages | 6.5" x 5.5" | Paperback | ISBN: 978-1-77174-604-5