First Nations

In this book, Bill Helin explains the importance of songs and drumming to the culture and history of the Tlingit people. He also describes the process that he went through to make his first drum. An illustrated series of directions and a supply list will give the reader a clear understanding of the drum maker’s craft.

Educator & Series Information
Making a Drum is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: Fabriquer un tambour.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741101

Bill Helin grew up in a family of fishermen. In this book he describes some of the traditional Tlingit fishing tools and methods. Herring, salmon, halibut, cod, rockfish and oolichan are some of the fish that are described in this book and that Bill’s family is thankful for.

Educator & Series Information
Tlingit Fishing is part of the Strong Stories: Tlingit series. Strong Stories focus on different First Nation territories from across Canada and the United States. These stories reflect the belief that our stories are the roots of our people, our lands and our cultures. It is from our stories that we grow and become strong and proud.

This resource is also available in French: La Pêche chez les Tlingits.

Additional Information
16 pages | 6.00" x 9.00" | ISBN: 9781771741132

Own all 3 titles in the series From the Mountains to the Sea!

The From the Mountains to the Sea series follows a river eco-system from its source high up in the mountains all the way to the estuary. Along the rivers path we introduce the cedar tree, the salmon which feeds the entire eco-system, the bear, eagle and orca. Each book is written with a science perspective on the lefthand pages and social studies on the righthand pages.

All 3 titles in the From the Mountains to the Sea series include:

Kindergarten: We Live Here
Click link to download a five-week Kindergarten planning guide:Kindergarten FREE Download for We Live Here

Grade 1: We Share the Seasons
Click link to download a five-week Grade 1 planning guide: Grade 1 FREE Download for We Share the Seasons

Grade 2: We Are a Community
Click link to download a Grade 2 five-week planning guide: Grade 2 FREE Download for We Are a Community

Also available, each book has its own bundle of items in our Book Bundles section.

This bundle is also available in French HERE!

Additional Information
Book dimensions: 10" x 14" | ISBN: 9781771745789

Thousands of years ago in the village of Kitkatla, four hunters leave home in the spring to harvest seaweed and sockeye. When they arrive at their fishing grounds, exhaustion makes them lazy and they throw their anchor overboard without care for the damage it might do to marine life or the sea floor.

When Orca Chief discovers what the hunters have done, he sends his most powerful orca warriors to bring the men and their boat to his house. The men beg forgiveness for their ignorance and lack of respect, and Orca Chief compassionately sends them out with his pod to show them how to sustainably harvest the ocean’s resources.

Accompanied by almost exclusively new illustrations by Roy Henry Vickers, this next installment of the Northwest Coast Legends will captivate readers young and old with its vivid imagery and remarkable storytelling.

Educator & Series Information
Orca Chief is the third in a series of Northwest Coast legends by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd.

Other books in this series include:
Raven Brings the Light
Cloudwalker
Orca Chief
Peace Dancer 

Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Additional Information
40 pages | 12.00" x 8.25"

This beautifully illustrated children’s book is the second instalment of Treaty Tales, an original trilogy that makes learning about the treaties and their history fun and engaging.

When Neepin visits her kookoo to make homemade bannock, she learns about an important friendship that started a long time ago and still lasts today.

Educator Information
This resource is part of the Treaty Tales Series.

This resource is also available in French: L’amitié

Additional Information
30 pages | 10.23" x 9.25"

This beautifully illustrated children’s book is the third and final instalment of Treaty Tales, an original trilogy that makes learning about the treaties and their history fun and engaging.

Join Neepin and her kookoo around the campfire in We Are All Treaty People, and hear a story about the modern-day significance of the treaties for all those living in Canada. Maybe even become inspired, like Neepin, to take up the First Nations storytelling tradition.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Treaty Tales series.

This resource is also available in French: Les traités nous concernent tous

The majority of Natives in North America live "off the rez." How do they stay rooted to their culture? How do they connect with their community?

Urban Tribes offers unique insight into this growing and often misperceived group. This anthology profiles young urban Natives and how they connect with Native culture and values in their contemporary lives.

Their stories are as diverse as they are. From a young Dene woman pursuing an MBA at Stanford University to a Pima photographer in Phoenix to a Mohawk actress in New York City, these urban Natives share their unique insight to bridge the divide between their past and their future, their cultural home, and their adopted cities.

Unflinchingly honest and deeply moving, the contributors explore a wide range of topics: from the trials and tribulations of dating in the city to the alienating experience of leaving a remote reserve to attend high school in the city, from the mainstream success of the Electric Pow Wow music genre to the humiliation of racist school mascots.

Each of the personal perspectives helps to illuminate larger political issues. An innovative and highly visual design offers a dynamic reading experience.

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 11 - 18.

Recommended Authentic First Peoples resource.

Recommended English First Peoples resource.

Additional Information
136 pages | 6.75" x 9.50" | colour illustrations and photographs, foreward, introduction, bibliography

Cloudwalker, describing the creation of the rivers, is the second in a series of Northwest Coast legends by Roy Henry Vickers and Robert Budd. Their previous collaboration, Raven Brings the Light (2013), is a national bestseller.

On British Columbia's northwest coast lies the Sacred Headwaters--the source of three of British Columbia's largest salmon-bearing rivers. These rivers are the source of life for all creatures in the area. But what gave life to the rivers themselves?

Astace, a young Gitxsan hunter, is intent on catching a group of swans with his bare hands. He is carried away by the birds' powerful wings and dropped in the clouds. With only a cedar box of water Astace wanders the clouds, growing weaker, stumbling and spilling the contents. When he finally returns to earth he discovers lakes, creeks, and rivers where there were none before. The Gitxsan rejoice at having him home, and name the new river they live alongside Ksien--"juice from the clouds."

Roy Henry Vickers' vibrant artwork, including 18 new prints, accompany this new retelling of an ancient story--readers of all ages will be captivated.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Northwest Coast Legends series. 

Other books in this series include:
Raven Brings the Light
Cloudwalker
Orca Chief
Peace Dancer 

Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Additional Information
40 pages | 12.00" x 8.25"

A powerful and visually stunning anthology from some of the most groundbreaking Native artists working in North America today.

Truly universal in its themes, Dreaming In Indian will shatter commonly held stereotypes and challenge readers to rethink their own place in the world. Divided into four sections, ‘Roots,’ ‘Battles,’ ‘Medicines,’ and ‘Dreamcatchers,’ this book offers readers a unique insight into a community often misunderstood and misrepresented by the mainstream media.

Emerging and established Native artists, including acclaimed author Joseph Boyden, renowned visual artist Bunky Echo Hawk, and stand-up comedian Ryan McMahon, contribute thoughtful and heartfelt pieces on their experiences growing up Indigenous, expressing them through such mediums as art, food, the written word, sport, dance, and fashion. Renowned chef Aaron Bear Robe, for example, explains how he introduces restaurant customers to his culture by reinventing traditional dishes. And in a dramatic photo spread, model Ashley Callingbull and photographer Thosh Collins reappropriate the trend of wearing ‘Native’ clothing.

Whether addressing the effects of residential schools, calling out bullies through personal manifestos, or simply citing hopes for the future, Dreaming In Indian refuses to shy away from difficult topics. Insightful, thought-provoking, and beautifully honest, this book will to appeal to young adult readers. An innovative and captivating design enhances each contribution and makes for a truly unique reading experience.

Reviews
“It’s hard to imagine a middle- or high-school classroom that wouldn’t benefit from having this.” —Booklist, 02/15

“Belongs in every middle school, high school and public library.” —CM Reviews, 05/22/15

"For some time now, I've been waiting for Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices... It was getting buzz in Native networks on social media. I've read it, now, and highly recommend it... Dreaming in Indian has a vibrancy I've not seen in anything else. A vibrancy that, perhaps, is characteristic of a generation at ease with technology and its tools... I want to pore over the art, studying it, thinking about it, marveling at it. I can imagine a lot of people dismissing this work because it doesn't conform to their stereotypical ideas of dead or stoic Indians. But I can also imagine a lot of others holding it dear because it reflects who we are... You'll also have a solid introduction to the artists and writers, their lives, what drives them... Gritty and real, their live stories are inspiring... There's a lot to ponder in Dreaming In Indian. It'll challenge readers, in good ways, and that is a good thing. Check it out." — Debbie Reese, American Indians in Children's Literature, September 2014

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 11-18

Themes: First Nations; native peoples; Indigenous; biography; multicultural; stereotyping; acceptance; community; prejudice; self-esteem; tolerance.

Fountas & Pinnell Reading Level: Z+

Authentic First Peoples resource K-9.

Recommended English First Peoples resource.

Additional Information
128 pages | 8.50" x 11.00" | full-color illustrations and photographs throughout, foreword, introduction

Written from an Anishinaabe perspective, First Nations Ceremonies explores various Anishinaabe teachings that have been handed down from Elders, encouraging mino-pimaatisiwin, the good life. These practices are still used today, crossing time from the past to the future.

Get ready to have fun and learn at the same time! Explore the many different homes and cultures of Turtle Island’s nations, past and present, throughout Indigenous Dwellings of Canada.

Each beautiful, black-line illustration includes carefully researched commentaries by Katherine and Leo Pettipas. Not only do they tell fun stories, but offer informative glimpses into Canadian history.

This educational colouring book is full of images and tales that will delight students and artists of all ages.

Illustrator Rogé visited a school in Mingan, an Innu village in northeastern Quebec. He spent a few days taking the time to photograph each child. Once he returned home to his studio, brush in hand, he revisited the eyes of these children and drew their portraits.

Mingan, my village is a collection of fifteen faces, and fifteen poems written by young Innu. Given a platform to be heard, the children chose to transport readers far away from the difficulties and problems related to their realities to see the beauty that surrounds them in nature.

First published in French as Mingan Mon Village in 2012, which won several awards and nominations, including:  Winner, 2013 Prix des libraires du Québec jeunesse (5-11 years category); 2013 Governor General’s Award, French Children’s Illustration finalist Finalist; Prix TD de Littérature Canadienne pour L’enfance et la Jeunesse 2013.

Reviews
"Mingan, My Village is a beautiful collection of poetry created by Innu children of the Teueikan school in Mingan, Quebec. The compilation includes 15 poems and 15 portraits that reveal a glimpse into the lives of the poets. Their poetry often focuses on local values, including relationships with nature and connections with the ancestors. The children skilfully integrate elements of imagery, metaphor, and simile, filling each page with emotion and meaning. . . Mingan, My Village offers a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of the Innu children. The poetry is inspired and supported by a range of artists, and Rogé's artwork masterfully complements the poets. Highly Recommended." — CM Magazine

Additional Information
42 pages | 8.00" x 12.00"

Residential Schools, With the Words and Images of Survivors, A National History honours the survivors, the former students, who attended residential schools. Designed for the general reader this accessible, 112-page history offers a first-person perspective of the residential school system in Canada, as it shares the memories of more than 70 survivors from across Canada as well as 125 archival and contemporary images (65 black & white photographs, 51 colour, some never before published).

This essential volume written by award-winning author Larry Loyie (Cree), a survivor of St. Bernard Mission residential school in Grouard, AB, and co-authored by Constance Brissenden and Wayne K. Spear (Mohawk), reflects the ongoing commitment of this team to express the truths about residential school experiences and to honour the survivors whose voices are shared in this book.

Along with the voices, readers will be engaged by the evocative, archival photographs provided by the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre with the assistance of curator Krista McCracken. The book begins with the moving introduction by Larry Loyie, and moves to seven chapters that explore the purpose of this school system; cultures and traditions; leaving home; life at school the half-day system; the dark side of the schools; friendship and laughter coping with a new life; changing world–the healing begins; and an afterword. A detailed, full colour map showing residential schools, timeline with key dates, glossary, and a helpful index (including names of survivors and schools) make this vital resource a must-have for secondary, college, and universities, libraries, and the general reader.

Reviews
"A broad and comprehensive review of the history of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada told from the perspective of First Peoples in a very accessible way. Any educator, regardless of personal background or heritage, would find this timely resource very useful in any classroom." — Gary Fenn and Domenic Bellissimo, executive assistants, Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation

"Written with a gentle hand, this book describes a history that few Canadians understand or even know about. From the first page, those in search of the truth are engaged in a journey of learning, as they come to understand the true battle of Aboriginal peoples to preserve their cultures and pride. This story is a true account of resiliency and human spirit." — Tracy Zweifel, executive director, Sagitawa Friendship Society, Alberta

Awards

- 2016 Winner of Golden Oak award in Ontario's Forest of Reading program

Educator Information
This must-have resource includes a detailed, full-colour map showing residential schools, a timeline with key dates, and a glossary.

Recommended for grades 7-12, but would still be useful for adults and college/university courses studying residential schools and Indigenous history.

This book has been evaluated and approved by ERAC (Educational Resource Acquisition Consortium, British Columbia).

Additional Information
112 pages | 10.43" x 8.26"

This beautiful children’s book is the first of instalment of Treaty Tales, an original trilogy that makes learning about the treaties and their history fun and engaging.

Journey with Neepin and her kookoo around their home reserve of Lynx Creek First Nation. Learn the story of their people and the importance of respect and honouring agreements.

Educator & Series Information
This resource is part of the Treaty Tales series.

This resource is also available in French: La poignée de main et le calumet

Pīsim Finds Her Miskanow is about a week in the life of Pīsim, a young Cree woman living in the late 1600s. The 1993 archaeological excavation of the remains of a woman and her belongings from Nagami Bay at South Indian Lake, Manitoba, was the inspiration for the story. In the story, Pīsim begins to both recognize her purpose for being and develop her gifts for fulfilling her purpose. This beautifully illustrated book includes drawings of artifacts, definitions and descriptions, historical facts and information, Cree songs and words, maps, recipes, and much more.