Métis

This beautifully illustrated Métis picture book is fully bilingual in Michif and English. A feast for the eyes and a tickle for the funny bone, Kohkum cooks up a HUGE order of bannock in her own kitchen, for the Queen and 299 guests!

This lively and whimsical tale begins with a letter from the government asking Kohkum to cook bannock for the Royal visit. Kohkum's grandson Xavier is as excited as she is, until they do the math and are shocked to learn that they are cooking not just for the Queen but for her entourage and guests too. A mad scramble ensues, with a rushed trip to the grocery store to buy a ridiculous amount of flour and milk, and a perilous trip home with the car stuffed with supplies and Xavier riding on the roof. Several aunties come to the rescue, helping with bannock assembly and sharing in the excitement of cooking for the Queen.

Written by an educator, this story provides many opportunities to count in English and Michif, with many laughs along the way as Kohkum, aunties, and Xavier scramble to cook the bannock in time for the Queen's visit. Boldly colourful, humourous illustrations by illustrator Hawlii Pichette bring this entertaining story to life. Full translation makes this book ideal for in-class cultural learning and Michif language acquisition.

Educator Information
Recommended for preschool to Grade 4.

Bilingual: Michif and English

Michif Translation by Irma Klyne and Larry Fayant.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.00" | Paperback

From the winner of the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Prize and the American Indian Youth Literature Award

I’d like to tell you a rather true story about a big black cat who started out gray. Her name was May.

Margaux and her cat May became friends when Margaux was just six years old. They grew up together, sharing countless memories along the way. But one day, May is late coming home. Where is May? Is she under the porch? Maybe on the roof?

Margaux’s nitôsis (the Cree word for auntie) helps search for May in the tall grass. But soon nitôsis needs to leave: she’s moving away to the big city, and has to pack her things into boxes. Margaux helps nitôsis, but she can’t take her mind off May. Will she ever return? nitôsis is worried, too. But little do they know, May has a surprise in store for both of them!

This fun and heartwarming story with a surprise happy ending invites readers to share their own cat stories. My Friend May is a tribute to love and the balance between all beings, and the experiences and emotions that connect us all.

My Friend May features:

• A glossary of Cree words used throughout the book
• Backmatter content that includes a pronunciation guide

Reviews
"A quiet yet affectionate tribute to familial relationships of all stripes….Cat lovers… will particularly enjoy this sweet tale."—Kirkus Reviews

"From a talented picture book creator….Readers can reflect on great stories of their own encounters with beloved animal friends and share their tales with others….delightful.”—School Library Journal

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4 to 8.

Additional Information
40 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

This picture book is a small glimpse, from A to Z, of some of the sights and sounds of the Michif language and its speakers.

The language of the Metis, Michif is a combination of French and Cree with a trace of other regional languages. Once spoken by thousands of people across the prairies of Canada and the northern United States, Michif is now so little spoken that it might disappear within a generation.

This alphabet book is part of a resurgence to celebrate and preserve the traditions of the Metis people. Here Michif and English words combine with images from Metis culture to introduce all generations to the unique Michif language. The book even includes a brief introduction to the language's history, a pronunciation guide, and a list of references for those interested in learning more about Michif.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

Dual-language: English and Michif.

Additional Information
56 pages | 8.25" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

On a cold winter morning in 1952, Patsy Lamondin wakes to the day electricity will finally be connected to her small town along the Magnetawan River.

Patsy and her siblings buzz with excitement, eagerly awaiting the ceremony being held at the center of town. The Lamondins have lived along the waters of Georgian Bay and the Magnetawan River for generations. They are a Métis family who love music, dancing and being outdoors, and Patsy ponders how electricity will change all of their daily lives. What she knows for sure is that, whatever changes, she will always feel she belongs here.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: M
Lexile measure: 660L
Guided Reading Level: M

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Science in grades 1 to 3.

Themes: Childhood, Community, Family, History, Technology, Engineering.

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

Whether or not you're Métis, there's so much to experience and learn about this amazing Indigenous culture — take a picture book journey into Métis crafts, music and cooking with friends who love to share.

Are you Métis like me? A group of children of Métis descent share and explore all the ways they celebrate and experience their heritage — enjoying traditional foods like bannock bread and Saskatoon berries; crafting with beads; sharing stories, dance, music and songs. Each child shares a different way they enjoy honoring their backgrounds and weaving parts of the rich tapestry that makes up Métis culture. One child, though, has grown up disconnected from their history, and can't join in with the others in the same way. But they soon see it's never too late to learn, celebrate or become a part of a community in which Métis and non-Métis alike can discover the richness of an often-overlooked culture.

This rhythmic, jubilant book will encourage young readers of all backgrounds to celebrate their own heritage and learn more about Métis history, and contains back matter including an author's note, recipe and dictionary to further inspire.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is available in French: Nous sommes Métis.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.43" x 9.31" | Hardcover

My Little Ogichidaa is inspired by Indigenous motherhood. It invites readers to explore the compelling dreams and hopes of an Indigenous parent for her soon-to-be-born warrior.

The word Ogichidaa itself means warrior in Anishinaabemowin, and this beautifully illustrated book is a tribute to Indigenous families everywhere who are proudly raising their children to carry forward their culture, language, and love with resilience, strength, and kindness. This story is proof that despite colonization, our world is full of Indigenous art, beauty, love, and brilliance. Through the eyes of a mother, readers gain insight into the profound bonds of family and community that are central to Indigenous life. This heartwarming and empowering story is a celebration of Indigenous love and the powerful legacy that it creates.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.

Find a lesson plan for this book here: My Little Ogichidaa Teacher Lesson Plan 

This book is available in French: Ma petite Ogichidaa: une berceuse autochtone

Recommended in the Indigenous Books for Schools catalogue as a valuable resource for English Language Arts and Social Studies, in Grades 2 to 4.

Themes: Ancestors, Decolonization, Resilience, Connectedness to Culture, Family

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

Métis writer and educator Nikki Soliman walks children through the importance of mental health and wellness in Magnificent Magnetic Me. This book examines the importance of embracing the tools needed to stay positive. It teaches about the power of thoughts and words and the energy we attract.

Educator Information
Recommended for grades 5 to 8.

Additional Information
32 Pages | Paperback

The little spirit doll is made with clay and wood. The clay was taken without ceremony from her river bank home so the little spirit doll feels traumatized from being ripped from her home and feels that she has no name and no one who loves her. She goes on a journey to heal and with the help of friends and spirit guides, she finds her way.

This 40-page book contains illustrations that are gradually coloured in as the doll heals. It is a great way to teach children about trauma and healing.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

Additional Information
40 Pages | 8.5"x 6" | soft cover 

Noodin had their perfect day planned - until surprise babysitting interrupts their plans and sends them on an urban adventure!

When Noodin's perfect day is interrupted, they decide to strike out for adventure instead - spending the day with their human, animal, and tree cousins in the city. But will Noodin ever get the pancakes they're craving? Come along and find out!

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 5.

Noodin is a nonbinary urban Indigenous kid.

Themes: Urban Indigenous, Modern Family, Cousins, Babysitting, Adventure, Divorced Parents

Additional Information
28 pages | 10.75" x 8.25" | Paperback

When a young boy is assigned a project about the fur trade by his teacher, he doesn’t know who to turn to because his mom works all day. With help from his grandfather and the internet, they travel back in time and discover how the fur trade began, a new people emerged, the Métis’ role in the fur trade, Louis Riel and the Red River Resistance, and the reason behind a holiday named Louis Riel Day.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 9.

A wonderful way to introduce the important history of the Métis people and why Louis Riel Day is celebrated.

This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of a young boy who, through a class assignment, learns about the history of the fur trade, the Métis people and Louis Riel with the help of his grandfather.

Louis Riel Day is a provincial statutory holiday observed on the third Monday of February in Manitoba.

Themes: Fur Trade, Métis, Red River Resistance, History, Indigenous.

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

This richly illustrated book by writer David Bouchard and illustrator Kristy Cameron, weaves together Woodland style paintings with a rhythmic poem about the spiritual lessons that we can learn from the Sun and the seven sacred teachings.

Educator Information
David Bouchard is a bestselling author, speaker and educator. He is Canada’s most sought after public speaker. We Learn from the Sun is an Indigenous rhyming poem based on his best selling book Seven Sacred Teachings.

An accompanying lesson plan and resource guide entitled We Learn from the Sun: Lesson Plans and Resources can be found on our site as well.

This book is available in French: On apprend du soleil.

Recommended for ages 5 to 12.

This resource is included in the Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools 2020/2021 resource list for grades K to 7 for Language Arts.

Additional Information
34 pages | 11.00" x 9.00" | 26 colour illustrations

Come along on an aviation journey with Alis! This spunky female guide will take you through an ABC of planes featuring gorgeous cut-paper art.

An A to Z of planes past and present, this book has stunning cut-paper art and a cute-as-a-button guide named Alis. Named for Dr. Alis Kennedy, likely one of the first Indigenous women to obtain a commercial pilot license in Canada, Alis will take you on an aviation tour from the Avro Arrow to the Zeppelin and everything in between. 

Meticulously researched and uniquely crafted, this is a one-of-a-kind book that will delight aviation fans big and little.

Educator Information
This resource contains limited Indigenous content and is a supplemental resource for learning the alphabet and exploring cut-paper art imagery. There is some information included that provides more details about Dr. Alis Kennedy, which is why this resource has been listed as containing Indigenous text.  It is up to readers to determine if this work will be useful for their purposes.

Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"

During much of the nineteenth century, bison hunting was integral to the Métis’ social, economic, and political life. As “people of the buffalo,” the Métis were bison hunters par excellence. In Métis Camp Circle: A Bison Way of Life, author and artist Leah Marie Dorion transports young readers back in time when bison were the basis of Métis lifeways on the Plains. Vibrantly illustrated and infused with important cultural teachings, this charming book skillfully informs us about this important period of Métis history.

Educator Information
Grade Level: Primary (recommended by Gabriel Dumont Institute).

Dual-language: English and Michif.  Includes a CD with English and Michif narration.

Includes back matter on Bison as a Food Source; Organizing the Bison Hunt; Bison Artefacts; Pemmican; Patrice Fleury Remembrance (on the bison hunt); and more information about the author/illustrator and translator.

Additional Information
43 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"

This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other's well-being in their every-day 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 their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens.

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
This is a dual-language book in English and Plains Cree.

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

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 available in English and Anishinaabemowin: You Hold Me Up / Gimanaadenim 

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

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 9.00"